AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIs Jurrjens NL’s top rookie?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While waiting for the daily injury update for a team that’s had more injuries to key players than any team I’ve covered in 14 seasons of doing this beat thing, let us consider the early race for National League Rookie of the Year and the Braves’ strong candidate: Jair Jurrjens.
The 22-year-old not only leads all major league rookies in wins (5) and ERA (2.64), but among all National League starters Jurrjens ranks fifth in ERA, tied for seventh (with Dan Haren) in opponents’ batting average (.219), and fourth in opponents’ slugging (.298).
Folks, the Curacao Kid has a better ERA than Brandon Webb (2.69), and his 1.48 home ERA is the third-best in the NL, just behind Cincy’s Edinson Volquez (1.44) and San Diego’s Jake Peavy (1.46) and ahead of S.D.’s Greg Maddux (1.88).
(That Volquez has put up that ERA at Cincy is amazing; that park is ridiculously small, as the Braves will be reminded when they go there next week and hit a slew of homers).
Jurrjens has been so good, when he gives up five hits and two runs (one earned) in seven innings like he did last night in a win against the Mets — the 18th win in the Braves’ last 21 home games — it no longer even surprises anyone.
No other major league rookie has an ERA as low as 3.10, and Washington’s John Lannan (3.40) ranks second among NL rookies, three-quarters of a run behind Jurrjens.
Of course, it’s way early and the race could be completely different in another 50 games, but Jurrjens looks like anything but a fluke so far.
However, even if he keeps up something close to this pace and wins 12-15 games with an ERA under 3.00, he still won’t be guaranteed of the NL Rookie award, because this is another strong year for elite rookies in the league.
The Cubs’ Geovany Soto is hitting .314 with a whopping nine homers and 34 RBI, and a lot of voters tend to side with every-day position players over pitchers if one has an overwhelming season.
Blake DeWitt of the Dodgers is hitting .325 with four homers and 23 RBI, and offseason blog favorite Kosuke Fukudome is hitting .305 with 17 RBI. He’ll need to pick it up, or else voters will probably say something akin to his name regarding his candidacy.
Cincy’s Joey Votto also has nine homers and 23 RBI. That Great America Small Park is a nice place to be a rookie slugger, I’m telling you.
Not much time today: So let’s hit a few things quickly before we have to motor over to the ballpark. Gotta swap out bags, move my stuff to the backpack, because I’m riding the bike today.
_ Mac’s May: Looks like we’re getting the 2006 version of Brian McCann, aka the best-hitting young catcher in the National League and, in my opinion, the majors.
McCann is hitting .419 with a stunning 11 doubles, three homers and 19 RBI in 16 May games, with eight walks, six strikeouts, a .486 OBP and a .742 slugging percentage.
He might have gotten last year’s All-Star nod on reputation and a lack of stiff competition, but McCann will be selected to his third consecutive All-Star Game this season because he’s flat-out deserving.
Oh, and in his last nine games, he’s hit .405 with nine extra-base hits and 14 RBI. Look out, now. Mac might be ready to put up some silly-good numbers this season while hitting in the shadow of Hoss.
— KJ’s better there: Bobby Cox agreed with what many here have been saying for some time - Kelly Johnson looks a lot more comfortable hitting down in the order instead of in the leadoff spot.
Johnson, recently dropped from the leadoff spot to mostly hitting seventh, has gone 12-for-30 (.400) with three doubles, two triples, a homer and five RBI in his past nine games.
For the season he’s hit .263 with a .328 OBP and .412 slugging percentage in the 114 at-bats in the leadoff spot, and .429 (9-for-21) with a .458 OBP and .762 slugging percentage in the No. 7 hole.
For his career, it’s .270/.363/.442 in 434 leadoff at-bats, .241/.332/.407 in 253 at-bats in the No. 2 spot, and .368/./447/.632 in 114 at-bats in the No. 7 position.
(He’s also hit in every other spot in the lineup for at least two at-bats in his career, and is 7-for-17 with three extra-base hits while batting fifth).
By the way, Johnson is 8-for-25 with four extra-base hits (two homers) and 11 RBI in eight games against the Mets this season.
— Speaking of Mets nemeses … Jeff Francoeur, after his three-hit, four-RBI game with a triple and homer last night, has hit .316 with 15 extra-base hits and 24 RBI in 25 games against the Mets since the beginning of last season.
For his career, he’s hit .300 with 21 doubles, eight homers and 41 RBI in 51 games against the Metropolitans.
Ok, a tune: Let’s go with another product of the rich local music scene we have here in Atlanta, Shawn Mullins, and a cut from his 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor CD (his recently released CD, Honeydew, is another fine recording).
”COLD BLACK HEART” by Shawn Mullins
I once had a true love,
Her name was Maggie Brown
Her eyes they were the color
Of the sun burning down
And she had hair that smelled like jasmine
I loved her from the start
How was I to know she’d have a cold black heart
Well Maggie was my true love,
The only kiss I knew
I’d meet her at the oak tree
In the cool evening dew
Where we would walk beside the levee
Our fingers intertwined
While the crimson moon gazed through
The needles of the pines
We’d lay beside each other,
Staring at the sky
Listenin’ to the whistlin’
Of the train blowin’ by
As it was on it’s way to Macon
The town where I was born
We’d make love in the darkness,
‘til the hours of the morn
Waterfalls and rainbows,
Sweet salvation sin
As I lay there sleeping
Against her golden skin,
My friends now gather around
And listen close
The story takes a turn
I wasn’t fair young Maggie’s
Only lover I did learn
I went down by the oak tree
Lookin’ for my lass
And walked east towards the levee
With the sunset in my past
And then I ran through briars and brambles,
Until I finally found
My Maggie and her true love
There lyin’ on the ground
My eyes they filled with fire,
They didn’t see me there
I watched as she made love to him,
Caressed him with her hair
I don’t remember how it happened
I guess I just saw red
I drew my pistol from my belt
And shot them graveyard dead
I once loved a maiden
Her name was Maggie Brown
But now I’m riding on a boxcar
Back to Macon town
The setting sun will never let me forget
What deed I have done
Until the day they hunt me down,
I’m livin’ on the run
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Comments
By matt_T
May 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Any word on Chipper’s status for tonight?
By pfunkatl
May 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
lookin for a SWEEP today…hope Yunel is feeling better. First?
By jcmo71
May 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
first?
By Nate33
May 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Yee Haw!!!
By mitche-san
May 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
no way…1st?
By cafleming
May 22, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
great post, DOB! I really like the trade of Renteria for Jurrjens.
By The Bard
May 22, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
DOB Do you know if because of the fan’s fall last night if anyone else was hurt or if any seats were damaged?
By Rob U
May 22, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
If Mac isn’t the starting Catcher for the NL something bad happened. Same goes for Chipper.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 22, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Teixeira’s position
By bigchiefrg
May 22, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
I love that we are raking right now but I am not going to go too terribly crazy until someone besides chipper or yuney gets it done on the road.
Triple J is awesome. What a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, as good as JJJ’s been, Geovany Soto is the rookie of the year so far. He would prolly split CHI votes with F*******. Wouldnt that be poetic for braves fans…If a brave won it due to a Japanese (shouldnt be a rookie) ballplayer the same way one was lost (U Know Who).
By Michael Scharff
May 22, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
DOB - I usually get on your blogs so late that I get lost in the shuffle, so lucky me - I’m among the first today! I truly appreciate your work and your insight; on the other hand, I’m not sure I necessarily understand your eclectic music taste.
Thanks to whichever of y’alls photogs took that incredible multiple exposure of Frenchy hitting the dinger. I think I’ll print it out on photo paper and have it framed. And, in case you didn’t see this last night, I would highly recommend you pick up the new 1969 Concert live Recording of Simon and Garfunkel ( I got it at Starbucks) - it’s really amazing.
By Salty
May 22, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
Funny closing post on the prior blog! LOL! You should move it over.
By ssiscribe
May 22, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
SWEEP the Mets SWEEP the Mets Step right up and SWEEP the Mets!
Off to the ballpark …
—30—
By Shaun
May 22, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I’d give the edge to Soto right now. .314/.414/.601 as a catcher. but Jurrjens is in the top three.
Soto
F*******
Jurrjens
By monty
May 22, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Didn’t realize the new post was up so I’ll re-post. I hope we get the good Hudson tonight. He seems to be a very mechanical pitcher who depends on his arm angles being in just the right slot. If he is off even a little it makes the difference between no-hit type of stuff and being just mediocre. He should not retaliate for Chipper’s beaning until the right time. If he comes out and hits someone right off the bat then the ump is going to warn him, and his ability to work hitters inside will be taken away from him, because he can be kicked out of the game for what the ump percieves as throwing “too far” inside.
By StingerSplash
May 22, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Maybe we ought to call Jurrjens Sears DieHard, because he’s a solid start every time.
By BA
May 22, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
“Just the beat writer”? maybe just the best damn beat writer in the country.
By Shaun
May 22, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
F ukudome is a bad word.
By BA
May 22, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I think destroying their season, getting their manager fired and humiliating Met’s fans is probably enough retaliation. For a slider that broke too far in. On accident. Just because the Mutts play bush league doesn’t mean we have to drop down to their level. Pete Wan Vieren brought up that awful, ancient ‘92 Mutts team that was such a failure during last night’s game. I think this years Mutt’s collapse is even sweeter, on the heels of their choke job last summer.
By TJ
May 22, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
We need the Mets to face Geovany Soto and “pitch him inside” or make a “hardnosed play at the plate.”
He’s the main competition to Jurrjens for ROY, and to McCann for starting allstar C.
By chase
May 22, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
“BEAT the Mets, BEAT the Mets, Step right up and SWEEP the Mets, grab the kiddies bring the wife, gaurenteed to have the time of your life”
If the Braves win toaday and complete the sweep it MAY push the Mets into making changes….
Also that stretch of 14 games against “top teir” teams that everyone was worring about and hoping the Braves would at least go 7-7 will look alot better than that
If they win today they will be 7-3 so far in that stretch with 4 to go…at that point even if you split with ARIZONA they’ll still finish with 9-5 record over that stretch take 3 of 4 and you’re at 10-4
How sweet would either of those be?
By N8
May 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
I just checked out those scouting reports on a young Greg Maddux.
My favorite was that it listed his overall command of his pitches as a weakness. Obviously he improved that a bit, but that’s funny to me.
By Jersey Gil
May 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
DOB what it the scoop to be first in your blog…Did you give away prices? anyway couple months ago i posted that this Kid from Curazao(Spanish Version) going to save the Braves Rotation, he is the real deal, mature, and he look like a veteran in the mount. If he don’t get injured he will be some where in the most best pitcher in the NL this season. And Tonight….. GO BRAVOS and to Campillo…MUY BUENO
By DAP
May 22, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Rob U If Mac isn’t the starting Catcher for the NL something bad happened. Same goes for Chipper.
id say someting really wierd happend if chipper is the starting catcher for the NL. :-)
By TrueBlueBravesFan
May 22, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
DOB
I posted this on the other blog but that was right before you opened this one up.
I was thinking about this after I read a post on this blog about Tex’s likely move to either the Mets or the Yankees next year.
How do you think either Yankee fans or Mets fans would react if their 25million a year free agent started the year like Tex has started this year. Could the city stand it. Could we hear the screaming and cryign and gnashing of teeth all the way down hear in the ATL. And since Tex seems to always start this way shouldn’t we bank on that if it happens?
By Chop Chop
May 22, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
(Here’s that post from the other blog, Salty.)
Imagine a Game 7…
The Braves are trailing the Yankees by one run in the bottom of the ninth. Brian McCann waddles up to the plate with a runner on first and one out. He steps into the box as future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera gets his sign. Rivera comes set and delivers the pitch. There’s a long, towering flyball deeeeeeeeeeeeep down the right field line! Did it hit the pole? Did it?
Well, the folks watching at home clearly see that the ball hit high on the outside of the pole and that it was a homer. The umps rule it foul. They then start to conference in the infield. As they do that, the folks at the Ted finally play a crucial replay on the big-a* Jumbotron in center field. Now, everyone in the park knows it was a homer. A couple of the umps happen to see the replay on the big screen, but they realize that they are not allowed to use video replay. Since none of the umps actually saw, with their own eyes, the ball hit the pole, they call it a foul ball.
Bobby Cox makes his way out of the dugout and gets tossed. Pendleton throws numerous bats onto the field and gets tossed. Roger McDowell hot-foots a couple of the umps and gets ejected. John Smoltz and Tom Glavine high-low the first base ump and are hauled off by security. Order is eventually restored, but it sure as hell doesn’t sound like it in a rabidly-booing Turner Field.
Rivera throws a few warmup pitches and play is ready to get underway.
Next pitch, McCann hits a groundball to Cano, who tosses to Jeter, who makes the throw to first for the easy 6-4-3 double play.
After the game, some people blame the umps for blowing the call; still others blame the lack of instant replay; a relative few blame someone called “Donk”; one or two blame Fate. However, all of these people eventually realize that, “Aw, shucks. It’s just baseball, folks. Video replay’s un-American. Better to lose because humans don’t have very good eyesight. After all, them eyes is American.”
See? A happy ending.
By northbeach Scott
May 22, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
The Schoenewies beaning of Chipper was the final straw for fans at the Ted last night. While an unfortunate incident, and likely unintentional, the Mets really screwed up. I have rarely heard the fans get on the opposing team as vigorously or as long as was done last night. I think this is fantastic for such a normally laid back home crowd.
My seats are right behind Chipper, adjacent to the the visitor’s dugout. After Schoenewies completed the inning he went crazy in the dugout, throwing his hat and glove. The fellow that sits next to me, leaned over the rail and told Schoeneweis he was, “A little btch,” and that he “sucked,” although accurate, it was quite provocative. Schoeneweis had to be restrained from going into the stands and he called my friend a “fing, motherf*er.” Nice.
Pretty obvious that Schoweneweis’s reaction is probably more of an indicator that the Mets’ clubhouse is completely dysfunctional and that a significant change (i.e. firing Willie Randolph, change in personnel, etc.) is immanent or the Mets are done. They do not appear to be a competitive team and are certainly not worthy of any concern on the Braves’ part until significant changes are made.
Really enjoyed seeing the crowd fired up and heckling the opposing team for a change. We are usually too polite to heckle, but last night we felt compelled. I think the Met bench players particularly enjoyed (were annoyed by) comments about their choking the division away in 2007, Billy Wagner’s comments to the press and the Mets proving him right about their foul stench, Willie’s pending firing, and the overpaid, over rated Beltran failing to hustle to catch a single that dropped in for a hit late in the game.
Erin Andrews, ESPN SportsBabe, spent the entire evening about 20 feet away from us in the Mets dugout. She is actually even finer in person than on the tube, if that is possible. Even the slutty Baseball-Annies that sit in the front row were jealous.
By Ryan V.
May 22, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
any word on Chipper? I want to know if I should start him in my fantasy league?
By the Stranger
May 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I’ll second that: Without a doubt the best damn beat writer in the country! …Nice effort on the commute today, DOB.
By MGL
May 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
From the last Blog - “By brent a.
May 22, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
If a UGA grad were doing the schedule, then the Braves would never have to leave the Southeast!”
That’s impossible!! First, UGA grads think the US consists of GA, FL, TN, and AL. Second, they can only count to twenty because that uses all the fingers and toes.
By TURTSNAP
May 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was sitting in the Ballyard last night and let my mind begin to wander during another stellar performance by Jurrjens. I began thinking who from the Braves could/should be at the All Star Game. Like you said, in regards to Rookie of the Year, still a lot of time left and things could change rapidly, but…. in my mind, locks should be Chipper Jones, B-Mac and JJJ, with Hudson and Escobar deserving serious consideration as well.
By Efrim
May 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Random
Re: your post in the last blog about Frenchy wanting to play for the Red Sox, I can’t see it. Not with a GM that values OBP like Theo does. I mean, I can’t say that he wouldn’t like Francoeur to be the Red Sox RF in 2012, but Frenchy would probably have to develop more plate discipline. And I can’t imagine the Red Sox are upset with their selection of Lester.
Good post though. Very interesting. That’s Gammons for ya….
How he has a job at ESPN and not NESN is beyond me.
By Greg
May 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
DOB CAN YOU CLARIFY SOMETHING
Typically following the draft, a team has until the following draft to sign its picks as i understand it (as ARI signed Steven Drew on the eve of the following draft).
Why would the Braves not be able to (or if they can, why wont they) negotiate a a contract now with Josh Fields since he is clearly one of the best pitchers in the upcoming draft. Is this a new rule with a new collective bargaining agreement?
By Johnny G
May 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I
By Johnny G
May 22, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I love the Renteria trade, but sure do miss the hell out of him
By Thrillhouse44
May 22, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
If Hoss is out, would it make sense to bat Tex 3rd (he’s been hot the past few days), B-Mac cleaning up, and Francouer hitting 5th? Even without Chipper, that’s a pretty solid middle of the order lineup.
“NEW BLOG IS UP” the four sweetest words of my work day. “Wake up there, Thrill” being the four worst.
By James
May 22, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
I agree that JJ has been a stud so far. And I certainly hope this run of his continues. That being said, I am left to wonder if he’ll struggle down the road like Chuck James. That probably isn’t a fair comparison since Chuck’s been hurt, and he’s lost confidence since that injury… so perhaps that renders my point moot. But, in his first year, Chuck was 11-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 25 games and he’s struggled mightily since. Don’t know if that’s all injury or batters adjusting to Chuck or both. I just hope that something similar doesn’t happen with JJ.
By Jersey Gil
May 22, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN….MLB plan to experiment in the Arizona Fall League Instant Replay……
By ncscoots
May 22, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
[Hudson] seems to be a very mechanical pitcher who depends on his arm angles being in just the right slot.
Exactly like the other 359 pitchers in MLB, I’m guessing.
Hudson is no different than any other elite pitcher, in that he isn’t going to have his A game every outing. Nobody does. The difference in league-average and elite is that a guy such as Hudson has more games CLOSER to his A game than the others. That’s all.
Smoltz, Peavy, Webb, you name the pitcher, they’ve all had games where they’re blown up, and more than one. So what? Unless your definition of pitching success is 35-0, of course. Me, I’ll take Hudson’s six-out-of-seven excellent starts all season long, with no fear.
By northbeach Scott
May 22, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
BA I believe Pete & Skip were referring to the 2002 Steve Phillips’ Mets, rather than 1992. Skip made a comment that he (skip) weighted about 325 in those days and could still out play Mets 1B Mo Vaughn who was a virtual stiff by then. Gotta love that Skip.
By Shaun
May 22, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, espn.com just published a story by Jayson Stark about MLB using replay in the Arizona Fall League. In it, he names three incidence this week that the umpires got wrong, all homeruns that the umps missed. So I would guess your two out of however many is incorrect. Maybe you remember two but certainly there weren’t just two controversial, incorrect homerun/non-homerun calls in baseball history.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3408154
Just because the umpires mostly get it right, I don’t think is a reason to avoid replays, particularly on plays that can greatly affect outcomes like homeruns and plays that happen far away from the infield.
My point is I don’t see a good reason to not use replay. I mean, the umpires have a conference, which probably takes a minute or a minute and 30 seconds, then they argue with a manager, player or coach. By that time they could have looked at a 30 second replay and had the play settled within a minute or two at the most.
Yes, umpires do a great job. But why not make it easier on them and make the game better on rare occasions when it’s tough to see plays (namely on plays deep in the outfield and down the lines).
I think we can agree that no matter how successful umpires are, the best-case scenario is for them to be 100 percent correct. Now I know that’s not going to happen but replay on certain plays brings us closer to that without taking away anything from the game.
By northbeach Scott
May 22, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Greg The MLB signing rule for draftees changed in 2007. Draftees unsigned after 8/15/07 (I believe)were released from any obligation to the teams that drafted them. Really stinks for the teams that would “follow” draftees for up to two seasons and then sign as appropriate.
By dgd
May 22, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Interesting that we now have a rotation of Hudson, Glavine, JJJ (or triple J), JJ (Double J Jo-Jo), and J (Single J Jorge Campillo). I would think that’s a major league first………..
By StingerSplash
May 22, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
If you’re going to throw at a guy on another team, I don’t know if the game before a four-game series ends is the time to do it. In fact, that might be the worst time to do it. I don’t think Schoeneweis was throwing at Chipper. That ball had so much break on it — it hit him on the back leg — it had to be a mistake. It’s not like Hank Kingsley chipping a tooth on the urinal (Larry: “Hank, it was a molar.”). If you’re gonna throw at a guy, you’ve got the whole front side to shoot for.
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Right, northbeach Scott, and the fact that Fields is represented by Boras. If we couldn’t sign him then, no way we sign him now.
By northbeach Scott
May 22, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Campillo’s pitching performance in Wednesday’s game is one of my favorite in recent memory. What a great story, eight years in the Mexican league after being signed in 1996 by the Braves. Injured his arm in the first inning of his only major league start (with the Mariners), gets a chance with the 2008 Braves, makes his case by performing in any roll Bobby gives him, and now he pitches like a young El Duque with guile and stuff.
I think Campillo’s career and performance last night is a metaphor for an everyman who struggles, gets a second chance and makes the most of it. I still dream most nights about pitching sequences and game situations even though I have not pitched in almost 25 years. I suppose Campillo’s perfect first three innings and six strong with a victory (and he also just missed his first base hit) would be my fantasy come true.
Thank you Jorge Campillo for helping me live the dream through you (and for Blog denizens for indulging me on this).
By Random
May 22, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Frenchy v A-Rod
Here you go with an excerpt of the Gammons version, from the Braves/MIB blog circa March of last year (it also discloses an interesting relationship between Frenchy and the recent Red Sox man-of-the-hour Jon Lester of which I at least was previously unaware):
By tkg
March 6, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone saw this on Peter Gammons’ blog that was posted on ESPN.com yesterday, and if it’s already been posted and discussed in a previous blog, my apologies. I thought the next-to-last graph was most interesting … except for that part where Peter’s subliminally trying to send Francouer to the Red Sox!
Seriously, if the next-to-last graph is true, it shows the kind of person Francouer is … hopefully the money he’ll eventually make will never change him.
From Peter Gammons’ blog No one is looking forward to the May 20 Braves series at Fenway Park more than Jeff Francoeur is. Look, he loves being a Brave. He grew up in Atlanta. But says, “I really always wanted to play for the Red Sox because of my family. I still use the Red Sox credit card my father gave me when I was 17. It’s going to be great.”
In 2002, Francoeur was considered unsignable because he was signed to play football and baseball at Clemson. However, before the draft, he reached a deal with the Red Sox, who were picking 57th. Atlanta scouting director Roy Clark found out, was able to get the money to sign Francoeur and took him at No. 23, ahead of Boston, which then took Jon Lester.
“My father [Dave] used to take the train from Springfield to Boston to see the Red Sox,” says Francoeur. “He went to Chicopee Commerce. All the family’s out there. My brother and sister were born up there, then my parents moved to Atlanta.”
Talk about a perfect personality for Fenway Park… Team USA players like to tell the story of Francoeur confronting Alex Rodriguez during the WBC for trashing a clubhouse kid who brought him the wrong sandwich.
“It’s going to be wild because of all the family I’ll have there,” he says. “Problem is, they’ll all be rooting for the Red Sox.”
End of text
By brent a.
May 22, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I have heard that instead of instituting instant replay, Major League Baseball is going to go with the more cost-effective measure of having the umpire’s eyes checked.
By TJ
May 22, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
We do get a compensatory 2nd round pick, for not signing Fields. Which is kinda good, since we don’t have our 1st round pick.
By Cliff
May 22, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
On the new draft rules, remember the Braves get a replacement pick (one pick after the one they used on Fields, I think) for not signing Fields. So, the cost of not signing him to the Braves was one year’s opportunity cost.
By Braveheart
May 22, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
When is the last time the Braves were truly robbed of a foul pole home run? 2005 with Brian Jordan in D.C.? If replay is only used for foul pole home runs, one missed call in 3+ seasons hardly seems worthy of the time, labor and monetary expense of a replay system.
By DAP
May 22, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
dgd youre right, the 2008 braves are the first team to have those 5 guys in thier rotation.
By BA
May 22, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Oh geez, northbeach- I thought he meant the failed Vince Coleman/Ho Jo/Bonilla roster. There have been so many failed Mutts rosters, it’s hard to keep ‘em sorted out! Excellent post about the Mutt’s reliever and the dugout, by the way. Anybody hear about the D-Train? Is Jimmy Marlboro making him a closer?
By scottbravesfan
May 22, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Is their a franchise that is as sorry as the Mets? I hate that team with a passion. A bunch of overpaid no account players and their fans are all fat stupid mooks from Queens. They suck so bad.
By BA
May 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
That’s old fashioned class, Frenchy.
By N8
May 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
My extra thoughts on replay are as follows.
To the poster who mentioned umps having to let the play “play through” on foul balls and what not. That’s a great point. Hadn’t really thought about that. However, it doesn’t change calls at bases or home plate. Even when players want to argue a call, they wait until the play is called dead, or time has been called to argue. So nothing would really change.
However on balls that don’t clear the fence or trapped balls on diving attempts, your point is very valid. If it happens without anybody on base, it’s not as tough to “guess” where a player might have ended up. Which is similar to a ground-rule double. Often that costs the offense a run.
I’m of the belief, that unless a team has HORRIBLE luck (and you all know how I feel about luck), over the course of a season things will even out when it comes to incorrect calls by the ump.
It certainly won’t change a playoff race, I wouldn’t think. So in the regular season it’s maybe not as important.
However, in the post-season the wrong call COULD decide an outcome of a series. So I’m “more” for it in the playoffs. But here’s the thing. We can’t really expect MLB to implement a replay system for the playoffs and NOT have it during the regular season to fine tune the system.
Then again, they do have extra umpires down the line in the playoffs which should help. However, didn’t one of those “extra” umpires down the line get in Jermaine Dye’s way on a foul ball in the 1996 World Series? If I recall that would have been the 3rd out of the inning, and the Yankees ended up scoring runs that inning.
Anyhow. As you can see, I’m for parts of replay, and not for other details.
It’s not perfect in the NFL, but I do believe that fewer games are decided on bad calls than in years past.
By TennesseePaul
May 22, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Payne: Of those three instances one was a moot point. The guy was credited with a home run. The sticky part is was it over the wall or in the park? Changing that call would have no impact on the game what-so-ever.
You’re kidding yourself if you think instant replay will result in a 30 second pause in action. Even if it is irrefutable and unable to be over ruled. Managers will still argue it will still take a while.
Adding instant replay to the game of baseball would be like adding an official grammar and spell checker to the blog and there are more improper uses on this blog than there are missed calls in the majors.
By TennesseePaul
May 22, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Is this a new rule with a new collective bargaining agreement?
Yes.
By dgd
May 22, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Of course they are DAP, the point, however, was all those J’s in one little rotation. I think it’s kinda cool that we have a triple J, a double J, and a single J……What even begins to compare in MLB history? Maybe a rotation with Jason Johnson. But you know what they say, the triple (J) is the toughest to get…….
By Random
May 22, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: “Me, I’ll take Hudson’s six-out-of-seven excellent starts all season long, with no fear.”
You’ve got stars in your eyes, my friend.
So far this season, it’s been closer to every other start than to 6 of 7.
Hey, Stat-Boy Shaun — is it his odd starts or his even starts that Hudson blows?
Efrim —
Thanks.
I figured that was just his childhood dream — not something imminent or even likely.
Me, I still want to be an astronaut, even today.
PS: I re-posted that comment on this blog, just in case.
northbeach Scott: “My seats are right behind Chipper, adjacent to the the visitor’s dugout.”
Sounds like you are pretty close to that guy in the green shirt that managed to corral the foul ball (on the second bounce off his hands) Sat night against the As. Were you at that game? The very next pitch was also fouled just above his head — if he’d still been standing, it would have hit him (or so it looked to me from 404R). But he was cradling his prize; I don’t think he even saw it.
Oh, and Campillo’s just following the footsteps of Julio Franco. Whoever scouts the Mex Leagues for the Braves is earning their pay.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 22, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
All I’ll say is that everybody who is against instant replay now will be the first ones b*** and moaning when a key play goes against the Braves in an important game. Don’t believe me. Look at how often people bring up Eric Gregg and the 1997 NLCS.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 22, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
After my playing days I starting umpiring for about 5 yrs in HS/College ball. I’m telling you that your quick pitch argument just doesn’t hold any water and neither does your umpires would just keep the ball in play to watch the replay. That’s not going to happen. You are blowing the concept way out of proportion.
I respect the fact that we differ on this but your talking about a game that is played in a “rhythm” and ball players are not going to slow the game down b/c it would throw their own team out of whack. Besides — baseball will never use replay like that. They are only considering it for MAJOR calls like the HR or something of that nature.
I don’t know why you are taking a simple subject and going to the extreme use of it but this is America and you’re entitled so we will just disagree.
I still think at some point they will use it. BTW - if you watched ESPN today they showed the A-Rod play and the replay took 30secs to verify and the umps were still on the field talking about it and got it wrong.
Eventually it will happen in a playoff game on national TV and it will be more than the 4th highlight on ESPN, it will be the headline on every major news outlet in America.
By Renegator
May 22, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Did anyone else see on mlbtraderumors.com where the Royals signed Horacio Ramierez. Dayton just loves those former Braves pitchers.
By ncscoots
May 22, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Hey, I loved Campillo’s work the other day, too, but some of you have him penciled in for 25 starts and an All-Star berth already, LOL. THAT might be a little hasty.
By TheCutMan
May 22, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Northbeach Scott, your 3:20pm post is a reason I read these blogs for whatever piece of tasty information one cannot usually find anywhere else. Nice! Especially the part about the Annies being jealous.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 22, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
YO northbeach
You should play in your local MSBL league. I know what you mean about envisioning plays. I was a catcher and I still go over situations and pitch selection in my mind while watching any game. It’s something that never really goes away. It’s a lot of fun - especially if you always make the great play in your mind. LOL
By ncscoots
May 22, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Random, Hudson has ten starts, 3 in which he given up 4 or more runs; one of those after being weakened by the flu. In the other 7, he gave up as many as 3 runs once.
That’s a little bit better than every other start, bro.
By Greg in TN
May 22, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14
Definitely plan on going at this point especially if I have another chance to see Tommy Hanson along with Soriano.
By AGTfan
May 22, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
From the previous blog - Lew
You left out that if UGA grads made the schedule there would be REM and B-52s concerts thrown in every couple of weeks. Hmmm - maybe we should get UGA grads to make the schedule.
You made good points about why you think it could be Tech grads, but since the current schedule completely lacks any semblance of sanity, I have to think it’s probably made by Gator grads.
By geauxbraves2000
May 22, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Okay, now I bummed. Our cable/internet service is down at home (a fiber optic cable was cut), and I have no idea when it’s going to get fixed, so I may not be able to watch the game or read the blog tonight. It’s gonna be a tough one facing Santana, and who knows if Dr. Jekyll or Mr Hyde is going to show up tonight on the Braves mound. If it’s Dr. Jekyll, might not need but a couple of runs to win.
Root ‘em on for me in case I can get online.
Geaux Braves!!
By OrlandoFan
May 22, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
DOB wrote that voters usually side with everyday players vs. pitchers in choosing rookie-of-the-year.
Certainly wasn’t true when Nomo (13-6, 2.54 ERA) beat out Chipper (23 HRs, 86 RBIs, .265) in 1995. It was close, I know, but I was of the belief that Chipper had a greater impact. Maybe I’m just a homer.
Anyway, Jurjens has been absolutely phenomenal. If you told in in spring training what his record would be at this point, I would have suggested the Braves would be leading by 5-6 games. Of course, I didn’t know they would have an all-star team on the DL.
I like the kid’s makeup and approach. His stuff isn’t John Smoltz, but his head is much more on his shoulders than a typical rookie flamethrower. And it’s a dream for him. Don’t underestimate the dream scenario, especially for a kid from the islands (applies to Escobar and Pena, as well).
By AGTfan
May 22, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
All I’ll say is that everybody who is against instant replay now will be the first ones b* and moaning when a key play goes against the Braves in an important game. Don’t believe me. Look at how often people bring up Eric Gregg and the 1997 NLCS.
Two things, I like b* and moaning about umpires and That wasn’t a blown call. It was a totally portable strike zone.
By Las Vegas
May 22, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
…..was cancelled.
Bummer.
By LuisGuillermo
May 22, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Any word on Chipper?
By TJ
May 22, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Cut and paste from metsblog.com:
*Jorge Sosa has been officially released by the Mets.
Damion Easley was given permission to leave the team so he can attend his son’s high school graduation.
…so, basically, the Mets bench will be Ramon Castro and Fernando Tatis tonight…man, i hope they just play nine innings…
Also, Raul Casanova is on his way to Atlanta in the event Moises Alou ends up on the disabled list.
Earlier today, Alou had an MRI on his calf, the results of which have yet to be announced.
Lastly, it does not appear Ryan Church will be in tonight’s lineup.*
By Lew
May 22, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
AGTFan-You may have a point. When in doubt, blame it on the Gators. Works for me. Woof Woof.
Random-Hudson has given up four runs in two starts, five in one. The other seven starts he’s made, he’s given up two runs or less. He doesn’t suck nearly as often as you seem to think.
By McFann
May 22, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Great blog, Chief!
By Ace350bm
May 22, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
I haven’t seen anyone mention it but I’m looking forward to the Hudson vs. Santana duel. Should be a great one!
By NorthBeachScott
May 22, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Random Unfortuantely, I did not go to Saturday’s game against the A’s as I was traveling back from San Francisco and was just too worn out to go.
We do get a lot of foul balls in the area behind third. Especially when left handed batters get fooled. Some of them come screaming down there, so even though it is dorky, I wear my old high school glove for defensive (pun intended) purposes and the odd ball received from the visiting fielders (two so far this year).
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I’m sure this comparison has been made by I see a lot of Greg Maddux in JJ. He throws maybe slightly harder than Maddux early in his career but he’s got the same tremendous arm side run on his fastball as well as the late sinking action. Maddux would- and still does- throw his fastball at a left-handers knee and the ball would work back right over the inside corner. He’s also able to keep the same delivery on his changeup which also has a great deal of movement. His ability to command his changeup also allows him to pitch backwards from time to time and keep hitters off-balance by throwing one no matter the count. His slider is mediocre at best- so like Maddux- he mostly gets batters out with his fastball and changeup. Similar, no-nonsense delivery and a good athlete where he can field his position well. Will he go onto win 350+ games? Highly doubtful. But Maddux comes to mind the more I watch JJ pitch.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
My point is that umpires make mistakes and the reason for having instant replay is to get the call right. That is what should be the most important thing. I will take a delay every now and then if it means that a vital call is called correctly.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s playing, Escobar’s not. But Escobar doing lot better, taking BP and infield today. I’d say 50-50 or better that he plays tomorrow.
Chipper’s still got a lump on leg and said it’s sore, but not enough to prevent him from “doing what I need to do.”
Also said that he appreciates the fan passion last night, even if it was an overreaction (he said there was no reason that he’d get thrown at in that situation, and certainly not with a slider)…
The OTHER BIG NEWS: Smoltz threw to hitters on the field, Kotsay and Norton and 3-4 other guys. Very impressive from the three-quarters arm slot. His slider has a different look from there, as does the change-up. And he was throwing plenty hard.
Gonna see how he feels tomorrow, Cox said, before deciding anything else.
Me, I’m thinking there’s a chance he could be activated without a rehab assignment. The thinking being, only so many bullets left, why waste ‘em. But I don’t know. Wouldn’t surprise me if he goes to Rome for a game or whatever.
By NorthBeachScott
May 22, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
ncscoots did not mean to imply that Campillo was an All Star or HOFer. Just that for one night he came ever so close to throwing a perfect game (not in the statistical sense, in the fantasy sense). Hope he goes on to be a regular contributor in 2008 for the Braves and beyond. Regardless, should Campillo never pitch another inning he gave me a gift that lifted my heart and one that I will remember for a long time.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 22, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Erin Andrews reported last night that Smoltz had no pain at all when he threw at the 3/4 arm slot. If that is the case, we could be looking at Smoltz being back as soon as next week. I’m sure he could be successful at throwing that way. He did throw sidearm one year to prevent pain.
By JC FROM UT
May 22, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Great news about Smoltz and Chipper! Did I read correctly that Campillo is getting another start?
By Pat
May 22, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
My long term Tigers fan friend came whining to me about the Jair Jurjjens trade when it was made. Said it was right up there with the Smoltz/Doyle Alexander trade and really upset him. So far, he is SO right and I am SO glad! ;-)
By AGTfan
May 22, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
When in doubt, blame it on the Gators. Lew
I think that’s something that everyone who’s not a Gator fan can agree on. LOL
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Kelly’s at 2B, Infante at SS leading off.
By OrlandoFan
May 22, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
DOB: On Smoltz, with new arm slot and no pain, any sense he is reconsidering a return to the rotation?
By David
May 22, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
DOB - I’m sorry I keep asking this question, but I am really curious: do you think Smoltz is interested at all in a “second” career as a baseball coach?
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I just heard the true muts feelings on the muts pregame show on SNY. Some loudmouth talking head put it this way.
*Tonight we have to go out and hit some pedestrian pitcher. Take a look at these tomato cans. The starters, the relievers, these guys just aren’t any good. They’re not exactly murderers row.
All that needs to be said.
By SeattleBravesFan
May 22, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
I don’t think this needs to be said really. But I am just marveling at Smoltz right now. I am gonna miss his talent and competitiveness when he is retired. Really, can anyone point out another pitcher that has done the type of adjusting and role changing that he has and done it with so much success. I am in awe of his athleticism . It’s no surprise this late in his career given what he has shown us fans over the years. But really, it’s almost absurd the kind of success he has had playing hurt, changing arm angles and switching starter / closer roles. And now, at 41 pitches practically lights out for several starts and then goes down with an injury that apparently was bugging him through spring training and the early season. Now mid season he is switching his arm angle and moving to the bullpen and will probably blow guys away some more. Amazing. Really, just an absolute talent.
By chase
May 22, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
I would rather see SMOLTZ in the BULLPEN as CLOSER…
That way if for every 5 innings he pitches HE EFFECTS 5 GAMES not just half of one!
Make the trade for MADDUX or another #3/4 type starter let the ROTATION be HUDDY, JJJ, GLAVINE, MADDUX/other, CAMPILLIO/JOJO
With a bullpen of SMOLTZ, SORIANO, GONZO, ACAOSTA, BENNETT, BOYER, RING, OHMAN
By BravesLover
May 22, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Interesting comments that Rick Sutcliffe made during the game that ESPN televised. About Tex he said “this is the best place in the world for him. There will be money on the table from other teams but all of us know players who have signed for big money and weren’t happy. This is exactly the right place for him. The fans will love him. He needs to sign and go about his business. Once you take care of your family and kids how much more money do you need. They need to get it done now”. Enjoyed listening to Rick’s insight during the game. And glad he’s doing so well with his cancer bout.
By Yars
May 22, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Now this is really cute. The CSS channel in my area that normally shows the Braves games that would otherwise only be on Peachtree TV will be showing the LSU vs. Vandy college baseball game instead of the Braves game! *ucking A, man… This is a bloody outrage.
By Caleb
May 22, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Does everyone remember how much of an outcry there was (especially on this blog) that Wren didn’t wait longer to trade Renteria (traded right after the World Series concluded) in order to increase his trade value and get more in return? Looks like Wren and others knew what they were doing when they jumped at the Detroit trade.
By Dallas
May 22, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Chase Yeah, let’s bring back Maddux. I think we are also looking at bringing back Wohlers, Clontz, and Greg McMichael to shore up the bullpen. Oh yeah, we’re supposedly interested in Fred McGriff just in case Tex gets away from us.
By Gary
May 22, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
WITH ALL THOSE PITCHERS IN THE BRAVES BIULLPEN DOING SO WELL…WHO GETS CUT WHEN THE BIG 3 COME BACK ..SMOLTZ..SORIANO AND GONZALES????????
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
chase,
Why would we trade for Maddux right now? There’s no weak link on the staff right now. I was a Maddux supporter myself, but with the way Campillo and Reyes have sured up the last two spots in the rotation, I don’t want to make a trade just to make a trade.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Caleb
Guilty. What else can I say. I seem to remember my post said something to the effect that Frank Wren makes a trade with the best GM in baseball (Dave Dombrowski) about - oh, 10 minutes into the off season. Wish that was the only time I was wrong lately. 8)
By Dave
May 22, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Don’t you people start giving the front office credit for anything. I think that is against the rules for posting a comment on the blog. Remember, the Braves pitching staff is too old, Chipper is too injured, Renny is the only capable SS in baseball, the bullpen has no depth, Bobby Cox sucks, Frank Wren is a tool, and lastly DOB is a music nerd.
There, did that cover everyone’s issues with the Braves? (/sarcasm)
I think all that’s happened so far, with the injuries, one run losses, road woes and all will harden the team for the ‘dog days’ and may help them in September. A sweep of New York, especially to finish against Santana would be great.
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
BravesLoser,
Sut sounded really naive when talking about Tex. I’d be utterly shocked if we sign him and would go onto say anyone that thinks we re-sign him is kidding themselves. I didn’t find it interesting, I found it uninformed.
By Bravosimos
May 22, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
DOB Do you know when that SI article is coming out on Chipper? Break out your brooms boys, we got some cleaning to do!
By BosnianBaller
May 22, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Wow looks like I was wrong about Frank Wren for calling him a “stop gap” GM every move he’s made looks great so far and hopefully it will continue.Jurrgens,Kotsay,Norton,Infante,Ohman.
By McFann
May 22, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
If Mac isn’t the starting Catcher for the NL something bad happened. Rob U
Yeah…Let’s hope that the worst that happens is that Soto’s just been SO good, that McCann got stuck being the backup (again). But if it’s any worse, well…don’t wanna think about that…
But I don’t think running over Soto is a very nice idea. (Someone mentioned that earlier.)
And why is Soto still considered a “Rookie”, when he’s played 30 games in the Majors prior to this year?
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Reposted- Sorry about the typo on the username
BravesLover,
Sut sounded really naive when talking about Tex. I’d be utterly shocked if we sign him and would go onto say anyone that thinks we re-sign him is kidding themselves. I didn’t find it interesting, I found it uninformed.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Dallas - I don’t want to hear anything about bringing back McMichael until we talk with Gene Garber.
By K.C.
May 22, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I am so glad to see Chipper playing through…this team looks like a bunch of impostors when he’s out.
I hope you guys read Ray’s blog this morning on Chipper getting hit and Braves fans’ reactions to it.
I was at the game. It was special.
It made me proud to be a Braves fan, even if I have been “demure”
http://bravesnuworld.com/
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Bravosimos, the SI article probably a week from now. The writer is still here; I talked to him some more today. He’s doing something that sounds like it’ll be interesting, a sort of day-by-day journal, like a week in Chipper’s life, road and home.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
This is from the brief I filed that’s probably posted on website now:
There were runners at first and second with two outs when Jones was hit in his back leg by a slider form Schoenweis, a left-hander. Mark Teixeira followed Jones with a bases-clearing three-run double.
“You’re going to intentionally hit me with two guys on base, in a blowout, with Tex coming up?” Jones asked rhetorically. “The fans are passionate about the team, and the way I’ve been going they don’t want to see me out for an extended period.
“It was a little bit of an overreaction, but I appreciate the passion.”
By S.Bream was safe
May 22, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Read it.
Chipper really is our Tony Gwynn isn’t he… And I had to turn down the game last night when they started booing because my wife was asleep. Loved it. Got chills.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
I also talked to Chipper a bit and mentioned how much people want him to make a cameo, at least, on the blog in-season. Sounded like he’ll consider it, and definitely interested in coming back in offseason. I told him the higher-ups have agreed to give him a code so his posts would be in a different color and we wouldn’t have to monitor to make sure someone didn’t do an imposter thing.
By the Stranger
May 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
McCann is backing up no one this year for the NL All-Stars.
By prattvillenolzfan
May 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone in CSS country outside Atlanta having trouble finding the game……..
The channel in Prattville/Montgomery Ala it’s supposed to be on is not on…….
By AZBravoFan
May 22, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
DOB: what’s the rule on hitting the ball while out of the batter’s box? Castillo clearly had his front foot about a foot out of the front of the batter’s box on that bunt in the 1st. That’s not legal is it?
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks for posting, K.C. Really powerful article- I loved it.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
For those wondering why Marlon’s out there looking lost in LF, Moises Alou went back on DL today. Calf strain.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Oh, almost forgot: Mike Hampton played catch today, first time he’s thrown at all since he reinjured the pectoral muscle a few weeks ago.
By ncscoots
May 22, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
northbeachScott, I sure didn’t have you in mind with the Campillo comment; no sir, not at all. Frankly, he got a little of my adrenaline going, also, and I know exactly the emotion of which you spoke.
The post was more pointed at some who were ready to anoint the guy the exclamation point to the rotation, after six innings of work. I just thought that might be a little premature, that’s all.
But, Lor’ love him, that was a mighty fine effort.
By Train Wreck Bystander
May 22, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Ew - Huddy’s stinking it up…
By Yars
May 22, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
prattvillenolzfan…..I hear ya man. I’m in TN & CSS is showing a freaking LSU vs. Vandy college baseball game instead of the Braves game. It stinks man. I’m following the game on yahoo.com GameChannel.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Back-to-back FAT pitches to the Carloses. Yikes.
Here was last line of by scouting report today in the game preview:
Carlos Delgado is 17-for-55 (.309) with six homers against him, Carlos Beltran is 19-for-56 (.339) with three homers.
Add a homer to each of those totals now.
By Jeff321
May 22, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
What do we have here? Oh right, its Tim “Mr. Inconsistency” Hudson already gave up TWO jacks! Sheesh!
By monty
May 22, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
It looks like it’s “Mr. Hyde” tonight. Tim just cannot pitch above the belt, he gets hammered. Back to back jacks.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
After giving up one homer in his first nine starts, Huddy has given up FOUR homers in seven innings in his past two starts.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
After giving up two homers in a game just once in 2008, Hudson has given up two in back-to-back starts.
By geauxbraves2000
May 22, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Back online, (yea!), and I see Mr Hyde is pitching tonight.
Still a long way to go, but if the Braves do lose this game, there’s nothing wrong with 3 out of 4.
Geaux Braves!!
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
i think we can sign messersmith for a million dollars, oh thats how we got into all that exhorbitant salarys in the forst place, go braves, sure we dont need maddux right now , but you got to believe that even mlb would want to pursue that storyline if the 3 HOF ers finishing up together
By JUsto
May 22, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Hudson has looked horrible the past two starts. Hope he improves we need him bad. It looks like we are going to lose tonight johan is to good .
By prattvillenolzfan
May 22, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Hey YARS
Try this link….
Bravesoncomcast.com
On the upper right side is a listing of the channels for tonight’s game…
The channel listed for Alabama is actually the QVC channel
Oh well…I guess I’ll have to listen to Skip & Pete…
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
anyone going to the power lunch with smoltz tomorrow
By Efrim
May 22, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
They are hitting the ball pretty hard right now. Santana just doesn’t look like he is fooling anyone. Hudson needs to hold em, this game is far from over.
By TennesseePaul
May 22, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Something about the recent play by the Braves … I don’t know if it’s 13-6 May record, Chippers ridiculous batting average, Campillo’s good vibes, the strength of the pen, or having Kelly bat in the lower portion of the line up … gives me the impression that they’ll come back and win tonight. Perhaps it’s merely hope.
By Yars
May 22, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
prattvillenolzfan….no luck. Tomorrow’s game against AZ also on Peachtree tv. Should definitely be on CSS channel. Hell man, tonights game was supposed to be on CSS channel! If any of you are wondering, LSU 7 Vandy 1 bottom 7th. Brain Jordan doing color commentary!
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Santana looks good, not great. If Hudson can hold them down a few more innings the Braves have a good chance to scratch out a few runs or blast them out, whichever they prefer.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 22, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
AZBravoFan
The rule is that if the batter has his ENTIRE foot outside of the batters box chalk line when he MAKES CONTACT with the ball then the ball is rules dead, the batter is automatically out, and the runners may not advance. If for any reason the play continued after the call then the umpire would simply wait for the ball to stop moving and put everybody back to their ORIGINAL base.
The batters out is the only out that can be made in that instant as it is an immediate DEAD BALL.
This is the plate umpires call and he must have a clear view of the infraction otherwise he will not make the call. In college we used to warn a batter if he was getting close or as for some chalk between innings if the box had been wiped away.
It’s a rare call but it does happen. Unlike the DP phantom tag of second base if an umpire see’s it he will call the batter out. Usually it is so obvious that it’s easy to see.
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Re JJJ. He has to be up there for consideration, but Cincy has three strong candidates. This is actually a pretty amazing rookie crop in the NL, and I guess the season shall tell. It’s a long way to October. But certainly, his start and his poise indicate that he could be the best of the bunch. He’s on track for 18 wins or so.
Braves are keeping the pressure on Santana. Huddy has to hold them til we can push a few more across.
By Jeff321
May 22, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
PTV just showed some video of Smoltz pitching..
Hey DOB have you ever thought about carrying around a camcorder for interviews? Or would that sorta “spoil the mood” for a print reporter? In other words, would the players get “shy” about having everything they say on the record?
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout Huddy? Gives up two jacks, now he’s faced the minimum 12 batters over the past four innings.
I don’t know what it is about Santana, but just not the utterly dominant guy I remember seeing in person a few years back.
I know he’s only given up a run and six hits in five innings. But seriously, I can think of at least three pitchers the Braves have faced this season who were more impressive, more dominant.
By McFann
May 22, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
I’m bored.
By ncscoots
May 22, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Two PO in the OF tonight for Hudson. Two.
Course, he had two sinkers that didn’t sink, also, but other than that, LOL.
Bloop and a blast, Bravos, take this sucker on outta here.
By Efrim
May 22, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I can honestly say I have never seen so many hard hit line drives. Yet, nothing to show for it….
Bummer.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 22, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
yo jeff321
Have you ever heard of a VOICE recorder?? TAPE recorder?? I’m pretty sure DOB ain’t using shorthand to keep track of their comments.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Yars
NCGary mentioned Andy Messersmith and the Braves signing him in 1976. Ted Turner owned the Braves and WTBS back then and when Messersmith made his home debut he was number 17 and where his name would normally be was CHANNEL. This was a long time ago if you don’t remember UHF TV but that was the channel number for WTBS, so Messersmith was getting paid a million to be a walking billboard. Things were simpler back in the day.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Jeff321, I’d rather retire (he says, only half-kidding).
By GTI in Chicago
May 22, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Peachtree TV anouncers and cameramen are having a good time with some on camera banter this inning. Making me laugh out loud. The dead shot of the lotto sign was classic.
By N8
May 22, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
“Have you ever heard of a VOICE recorder?? TAPE recorder?? I’m pretty sure DOB ain’t using shorthand to keep track of their comments”
Short hand? I just thought DOB was like one of those “old-school” drive in hamburger joints, where the girls on roller-skates (with the memory of Rainman) took your order, and never forgot any of it.
By Braveheart
May 22, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
KJ! Great hustle. Wicked line drive too. We’re gonna have a guy with a .300 AVG, .380 OBP, .500 SLG soon enough batting 7th and we’ll be too scared to move him up
Santana does not look impressive. Good results but several balls have been smoked by the Braves right at fielders. By no means has he been overpowering
By TennesseePaul
May 22, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Just let your … Soul Glow
I knew they’d come back and I think it does have something to do with KJ lower in the order…
GO BRAVES!!
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
N8
See that’s where we’re different. I always pictured DOB as being like 10sec Tom from 50 First Dates. Hi - I’m David…………….Hi - I’m David…………….Hi - I’m David
lolololol
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Somehow, I don’t think we will be blessed with the presence of our brethren from the great city of New York tonight. They could prove me wrong, but I just don’t see it.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
You guys should feel the vibe here tonight. Place is rockin’.
Chipper right now has total plate coverage. Can get to anything and hit it for at least a single.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Tex is 9 for 14 with 6 rbi this series.
By Jeff321
May 22, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman, the idea was for exclusive video of the Braves on this website for my viewing pleasure.
By ugaman
May 22, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
That’s right. Santana is who we thought he was! He has really fallen off as his numbers showed starting at the middle of last year!…Go KJ, Infante, “Z”, Hoss and Tex. That’s the way to cut the head off the snake!
By Tomahawk Kris
May 22, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Wooohoooo GOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!
By eric the elder
May 22, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
What a terribly impatient AB by Francoeur. Not bashing, just saying.
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
The Braves are playing FLAWLESSLY.
Great pitching backed by great defense with timely hitting. That’s a recipe for success.
Kelly and Kotsay shows thye can hit some of the best left-handed piching the league has to offer. Infante continues to get big hits for us. Chipper keeps on being Chipper. And Tex and Frenchy are coming around.
I’d hate to be Randolph tomorrow barring a come-from-behind victory by the Mets. As if he wasn’t under enough heat, people are going to be complaining non-stop about Randolph leaving Santana in too long.
I love it.
By McFann
May 22, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Nice goin’, Jeff.
Glad we’re winning!! C’mon, Timmy!!
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
think the mutts are hoping to extend johan for a few more seasons, lol,
do the power lunches usually sell out or can you get in if you show up with cash?
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Career-high 12 hits allowed for Santana.
By N8
May 22, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
I’m tellin’ you guys. From what I’ve watched their approach at the plate has been SO MUCH better the past week or so.
I said it last night. I’ll take this kind of offense (singles, doubles and timely hitting) over the hack and jack approach they had early in the year.
THAT is how you “get to” guys like Santana. We, as Braves fans should know. We watched other teams do it to Maddux and Glavine in the post-season enough. Swinging for the fences against Johan would play RIGHT into what he wants you to do. (Like Jeff did on that double to end the inning).
That AB by Chipper was EXACTLY what to do with a RISP. The AB by Jeff was NOT to do.
Chipper is as locked in as I’ve ever seen a hitter locked in. His AB’s are worth tuning in for, right now.
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Only the fourth time Santana struck out fewer than two batters in a start.
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
I know they don’t have stats for quality innings, but that was one of the best of the season by the Braves.
Hudson pitches great to strand the lead off double, then gets down a perfect 2 stike bunt. I think the pitch under the chin to Huddy really fired everyone up. Great clutch hitting, nobody tried to do too much, just hit them where they were pitched. Good base running as well.
Very pleased by that inning, VERY!
By Greg in TN
May 22, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
Yars/prattvillenolzfan and anyone else outside of Peachtree’s signal, the word I got from the Comcast CS office in Knoxville was that the game was blacked out, no other explanation as to who decided to black it out (Peachtree, MLB, the Braves, CSS, etc).
But I’ll listen to the Professor on Gameday Audio and enjoy it. Certainly enjoying the rally in the bottom of the seventh.
Now Church is on first, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if Reyes hits a grounder to KJ or Omar Infante.
By ContactBuzz
May 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Johan Santana’s numbers from ‘07 against teams with the most familiarity:
Cle: 6 starts, 0-5, 4.38 ERA Det: 6 starts, 1-3, 3.65 CWS: 4 starts, 3-1, 3.41 KC: only 1 start, 1-0, 3.00
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
That’s 29 hits allowed in 20-2/3 innings by Santana in his past three starts.
By Braveheart
May 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Here’s a funny quote from the metsblog for all of us who complain about the lack of fundamentals for the braves:
I hate to admitt it…the braves play the game the right way…Hard, smart…did I mention hard? Oh wierd…it looks like they have a game plan also. Where is our plan? The mets look clueless at the plate and in the field. Total lack of focus. Its getting awfully hard to watch the games because I want to punch my laptop everytime something like that inning happens
I was gonna say he must be the N8 of their blog ….. but all they have are N8s over there.
By Steve from OH
May 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
I’ve gotta say, Infante has been an excellent pickup for the Braves…looks really solid on defense, and is good enough at bat for the role BC is putting him in. I’d say that trade was a winner (so far) for FW.
By Random
May 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: “Random, Hudson has ten starts, 3 in which he given up 4 or more runs; one of those after being weakened by the flu. In the other 7, he gave up as many as 3 runs once.
“That’s a little bit better than every other start, bro.”
Lew: “Random-Hudson has given up four runs in two starts, five in one. The other seven starts he’s made, he’s given up two runs or less. He doesn’t suck nearly as often as you seem to think.”
Thanks for the info, gentlemen.
So it seems that Maddux sucks only once every third game, not every other game.
Recall, though, that I merely claimed that his “suck frequency” (so to speak) was closer to once every other game than to once every seven games, as implied by ‘scoots.
Thanks again, gentlemen, for all your hard work to vindicate and validate my off-hand, throw-away postulation. I love being proven right.
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Wow. I was worried about Huddy after the first couple innings tonight and those pitches to the Carloses. But, he’s gone on to be outstanding in 8 innings.
And it pleases me to no end to see all the bats coming around…especially against the Muts…especially against Santana…and especially Big Tex’s.
I WISH I were at the Ted to see this game tonight.
By Mark in PA
May 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Driving home from Norfolk, VA last night, and listened to the game on WFAN- the NYM flagship. I’ll give credit where it’s due—they really did a good and fair job covering the game (not at all like the Mutts TV side). They were very up on the opposing team’s facts and figures. Good discussion of Chipper as a first ballot HOF. At the end of the game, they interviewed BMac.
They also commented on the “suspended animation” in the Mets’ clubhouse, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
I was just going to ask if Santana had ever been hit that hard.
Huddy has come back and done great. I wish the whiny-babies would wait til the end of a game before starting their “we’re all doomed, I’m going into the closet and hanging myself” crap.
Leave that to the Mutts fans.
By Tomahawk Kris
May 22, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
This has been one exciting game. It has to build a lot of confidence for the Braves to knock around Santana like they have tonight.
What a great game so far - I hope the Braves can finish them off in the 9th and get the sweep.
By Overlord
May 22, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Infante is the man…….
WOW!!!, im impressed by Frank Wren. He got us loaded. Great scouting by the braves.
Norton
Infante
Prado
Blanco
Jurrjens
Campillo
And yes, Ill throw Resop in the mix, he will prove me right.
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Oh, jeez, the St. Paul Saints are giving out Bobble-Knee dolls of Larry Craig later this summer. Now, that is funny.
By matt
May 22, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN “May 22, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
Yars/prattvillenolzfan and anyone else outside of Peachtree’s signal, the word I got from the Comcast CS office in Knoxville was that the game was blacked out, no other explanation as to who decided to black it out (Peachtree, MLB, the Braves, CSS, etc).
But I’ll listen to the Professor on Gameday Audio and enjoy it. Certainly enjoying the rally in the bottom of the seventh.
Now Church is on first, it’ll be interesting to see what happens if Reyes hits a grounder to KJ or Omar Infante.”
Escobar did everything right the other night. He used the bag, stepped out of the line and through down the base line so that if Church continued to run, his forehead would have been split open by the baseball. I really like Escobar’s response to this whole situation.
By bigchiefrg
May 22, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
I am going to stand up and something right now. I didnt post when it happened b/c i was watching DVR style.
I was screaming at the TV when I saw chipper and delgado sharing a giggle after Chipper’s first hit. I love my Bravo’s and I love Chipper but D@MN IT!!! I dont want to see my 2nd favorite player (only to 29) laugh it up with the ENEMY. And I know it was not even close to being intentional, but he was hit last night, along with 3 others in this series.
Matter of fact, I hate seeing any of my team having anything to do with the opposition during the game ex-brave, ex-met, ex-ugetmypoint. I know we are in the age of here today gone tomorrow free-agency but socialize on ur own time, not between the lines.
Sorry U Know Who. I didnt think he could do something bad in my eyes right now.
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Man, Kelly Johnson looks like he’s really seeing the ball well now, too.
Those foul balls are on some ugly pitches that he’s still getting good wood on to stay alive.
By Jeff321
May 22, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Can someone explain this one to me? Why does Matt Diaz basically walk towards the pitcher while in the box (like a softball player that slaps the ball) when he doesn’t have a “slap” swing?
By Bravosimos
May 22, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout that for a late-inning situation againsta lefty non-the-less! Go Bravosimos!
By GeorgetownKid
May 22, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
3 more outs would be damn nice.
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Anyone else get a little worried seeing Acosta in there?
And as I write that, David Wright is on first.
And as I write that, they show Boyer warming in the pen.
By FJR
May 22, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
alright acosta, show us what you got big boy.
By Tomahawk Kris
May 22, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Nice Double play!! That really helped out. I was getting a little worried for a minute
By Tomas
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
The Braves are in top of their game. What a team, much better than last year, and having a lot of injuries. If they would play like this on the road, or at least do what they’re capable of doing, watch out for this team.
By FJR
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
people are going to lambast bobby for taking acosta out, but I 100% think this is the right move and I think more managers should do it when they dont have an absolutely dominant closer.
By FJR
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
people are going to lambast bobby for taking acosta out, but I 100% think this is the right move and I think more managers should do it when they dont have an absolutely dominant closer.
By Mark in PA
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
How about that D by Kelly! Whoo Hoo!!
Finally, some double plays going FOR us!
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
The Mutts announcers really are terrible.
“If I were the Braves manager, I’d go over to Hudson and ask him if he’s good for 3 more outs.”
“And if he said no?”
“Well, then I’d go to my bullpen.”
Sheer genius. Just riveting stuff from these guys.
Plus, by the way, if you know anything about the Braves, you know when Hudson goes, he goes FAST.
By Rob
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
That sweep was absolutely fantastic! Now, are the Braves that hot or are the Mets that helpless?
By ncscoots
May 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
OK, Random, LOL. Long as you’re happy, man.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 22, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Holy Moly ! This is freaking impressive. The sweep, against the divisional rival Mets no less and beating Santana, one of the best lefty’s in the game. GO BRAVES !
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
I don’t care if AJ catches that ball or not. Mark Kotsay is the Braves CFer.
By OleJC
May 22, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Broomed!!
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
ANDRUW WHO?!??!?!
Somebody hand Kotsay a broom, baby!!!!!
By GeorgetownKid
May 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I would never allow anyone from the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Angels, or Dodgers to give me financial advice.
Santana is an elite pitcher. But the Braves get comparable results from players who make salaries in the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, while Santana’s salary is in the HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS.
The same can be said of the Braves in CF, RF, 2B, SS, the entire bench, and every bullpen pitcher. The Braves sure can stretch the value of a dollar!
By Mark in PA
May 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
And they’re giving Kotsay the Superman theme for the last out! Braves Sweep!
By geauxbraves2000
May 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I can sum this game up in one word. Wow.
Geaux Braves!!
By eric the elder
May 22, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
If Randolph gets fired, he will remember the last inning of his last game as three smoked bullets that resulted in three outs, one by a double play.
By Choppin' at the bit
May 22, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
That was one of the best games the Braves have played. I think this could be a turning point for the season. Kind of like when they came from behind to beat the Baltimore a couple years ago.
By radoncbravesfan
May 22, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
well that was an excellent series for the braves play the diamondbacks like that and I like our chances
By MEB
May 22, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
One of the best feelings in baseball. SWEEP!!!
The Braves may not be perfect but they are a team that I really enjoy rooting for. Can you even imagine being a Mets fan. YIKES!!!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Joe Morgan
May 22, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Jose Reyes is the most exciting player in baseball. Willie Mays. Barry Bonds.
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
You know what I hate about Bobby? He has no idea how to manage a game. Particularly, he has no clue about how to use a bullpen.
Warning: This is a joke. It is meant to address the idiots who were screeching after the first game of the double-header implying Bobby is an idiot for using his best arms in the first game instead of saving them for the second. I hope they will admit they just don’t know as much as a guy who has been a HOF manager for 20 years or so.
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
i saw that too peteh heres the bobblekneeslink
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t mean to interrupt everyone’s joy with some shameless self-promotion…but reading everyone’s hatred for the Muts, maybe you’ll appreciate a post I had on my friend’s blog the other night. A brief snippet about how amazing hatred for your favorite team’s archrivals can be…
http://thesportsbizzo.com/
Man, I really do hate the Muts.
By Greg in TN
May 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Matt Completely agree. Esco did everything I would have expected him to do and I am glad his leg/knee is responding to rest. It could have been much worse, but it sounds like he’ll be in the lineup Saturday against the Snakes if not tomorrow night.
BEAT the mets, BEAT the mets, step right up and SWEEP the mets.
Two big plays in the ninth to seal the deal. The liner to KJ who doubles off the Golden Child at first and the diving catch by Mark Kotsay for the final nail in the coffin.
Sounds like the park was rocking indeed on the radio broadcast, DOB. I think the crowd at the park for the series gets an atta boy for carrying the flag for Planet Braves.
By Gamecock Brave
May 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
DOB What are your thoughts as to how Bobby is choosing to use Ohman and Acosta in the 9th? Is it a lack of confidence in Acosta gettin out lefties? or extreme confidence in Ohman gettin lefties out? or just somethin that works really well and is shuttin the door in the 9th? It seemed kinda odd but it seems to workin well.
By Efrim
May 22, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
So nice. That really was a big win. A win that I really didn’t expect. Let’s keep this going against Arizona. Reyes vs. Davis tomorrow night.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Tomahawk Kris
May 22, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Had a rough day at work today - got home had a beer and then watched the Braves finish off the Mets, all is right in the world. Man I am PUMPED after that win! I am not gonna be able to sleep tonight!
By JJMB
May 22, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
That was sweet sweet sweet.
Sweet.
By beachcomber
May 22, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Sweeeet!
By Murphy
May 22, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Nice sweep!!
By Billy (TBFnB)
May 22, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Who let them Braves out, woot woot.
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Too many positives from this series to cover in one post. Negatives? I think the Muts fans are discussing those over on mutsblog.com
Bottom line is the TEAM is playing great ball right now. For the most part everyone seemed to have an approach at the plate, which was missing most of the year except from a select few.
Pitching has been great & should get a boost from Smoltz very shortly. He’s getting in an awful lot of work the past few days for someone who is not going to be ready for a while.
By FsuBravesfan10
May 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
yall been hearing that strange silence throughout the blog the past 3 days? Amazing how Mets fans come to our Braves blog to talk trash yet, dissapear when their team goes 0-4 against us…gotta love it.
By Mike Price
May 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
The Braves are rolling baby! They’re rolling!
By Gamecock Brave
May 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
DOB What are your thoughts as to how Bobby is choosing to use Ohman and Acosta in the 9th? Is it a lack of confidence in Acosta gettin out lefties? or extreme confidence in Ohman gettin lefties out? or just somethin that works really well and is shuttin the door in the 9th? It seemed kinda odd but it seems to workin well.
By ernesto
May 22, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
That’ll do Braves. That’ll do.
By Desperado Dave
May 22, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
I’ll go with Jurrjens as the top rookie. He has been the most consistent starter for the Braves. He looks very poised and he spots his stuff really well. I want to add that Mark Kotsay has really surprised at the plate. I knew he was a good defensive centerfielder, but he has hit really well. I had been so frustrated with Andruw Jones the last couple years that I wasn’t at all sad to see him go. I am liking this team more and more. I wish they would go the route they did against Santana tonight and manufacture a few runs instead of waiting on the three-run homer. With Smoltz, Soriano and Gonzo due back, this team could get real good real quick. I would like to see one more arm in the starting rotation with Smoltz going to the pen and and no Mike Hampton sighting.
By A-ville Ranger
May 22, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
This is starting to get really interesting.In regards to DOB’s lead post,I wouldn’t mind Jurrjens winning rookie of the year but I’m much more interested that he pitch at a high level for years to come.He could turn out to be the most important trade pick up since John Smoltz.Top (or near the top)of the order 22 year olds don’t come around often.
By Random
May 22, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
ncscoots —
Oh, yeah — it’s all good. (Except I typed “Maddux” when I meant “Hudson” — I’m sure I’ll hear about that from Lew, if he decides to drop the other shoe.)
And as chrisklob might say (if he had a sense of humor), I wasn’t trying to be snarky — just a smart-a$$.
By ernesto
May 22, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t remember a 4 day stretch that was so troll free.
I kind of like it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Amazing Sub .500 Mets, brought to you courtesy of the Bravos.
By TennesseePaul
May 22, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Now, I’m not a man for emoticons or the such. It’s well documented. But this one…
I was gonna say he must be the N8 of their blog ….. but all they have are N8s over there.
—Braveheart
That one made me laugh… =)
By McFann
May 22, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
McCann is backing up no one this year for the NL All-Stars.
Let’s hope so!
THEY DID IT!!! ATTA BOYS!! Let’s take 3 of 4 from the D-Backs now!! (Can’t stand the D-Backs.)
Dang, what a great feeling!
By Mark in PA
May 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, think you can get a comment from Billy Wagner on the series?
By JEB
May 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Johan Santana “0” - Atlanta Braves “2”.
Not just a SWEEP - a 4 game SWEEP!
By Gamecock Brave
May 22, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
oop double post, argh… Can’t say enough about Kotsay. Definately an upgrade, total package wise, from Andruw… Not hating on Andruw, second fav player when i was growin up, but his offensive struggles made me and all of you crazy. Glad he is here and i think we are starting to see what this team is capable of. Little foot note for the the D-backs series, battle of the top two run differential teams in the Majors. Man I’m excited about this team.
By True Braves Fan
May 22, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Smoltz, Gonzalez and Soriano coming back…Who goes down or gets traded, DOB????
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Can we have a whiny-baby ban for a few days? I am sick of all this junk about how bad our players are. Legit criticism is fine, but the crap about Frenchy’s slump meaning he is not a major league player and saying Glavine is through when he had a bad start due to injury is infuriating. Go root for the Mutts and leave us alone, OK?
The way people leaped all over Huddy after he gave up two SOLO home runs really urinated me off. Wake up, you really don’t know anything about baseball. Just read, and stop posting.
By GeorgetownKid
May 22, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Pete H.
You are right. Cox has no idea how to manage a bullpen, how to maximze the talents of his players, how to massage egos, or how to keep his players focused and motivated.
It is a shame that we are stuck with this 67 year old senile fool.
And the half-dozen or so people on this blog who believe that their experience 20 years ago in Little League provides them with insight and knowledge that Bobby Cox lacks should be lauded for their erudition.
Like you Pete, I am trying my best to lay on the sarcasm as thickly as I can. But I would imagine that such a nuance would be lost on the bloggers who repeatedly bash Cox.
By TennesseePaul
May 22, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Now, I’m pleased with the results of tonight… but… swinging for the fences against Johan would play RIGHT into what he wants you to do??
Hasn’t he given up quite a large number of HRs lately (44 HRs since the start of 2007)? Are you saying Johan’s game plan is to have guys take him deep at an alarming rate? Doesn’t seem like a good game plan.
By i cant take it anymore
May 22, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
does anyone remember when smoltz outpitched santana this year and davy wright said “you hate to waste his starts”? looks like they wasted two. keep it going braves!!
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
ATTN: JOHN SMOLTZ
When you are feeling better you can slide on up to Richmond and work your way back into shape. Take your time, we’ll manage someway. We’ll be in touch.
PS Let Hampton know if you see him that you two could save some money and stay together up there. It could be awhile.
FRANK
By TexasBrave
May 22, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
FJR/Gamecock Brave being a student of the game I have to wonder why Bobby didn’t take Acosta out after Wright’s base hit and let Ohman face the lefty Beltran who was 4 out of 5 versus Acosta, then when he get the hard out DP brings in Ohman to face Delgaldo.
Again not complaining, just curious.
By Overlord
May 22, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
SNIPPER69 did you suddenly lost interest in baseball??? Its understandable. I hope you get better.
By Choppin' at the bit
May 22, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
That was one of the best games the Braves have played. I think this could be a turning point for the season. Kind of like when they came from behind to beat the Baltimore a couple years ago.
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Georgetown Kid: We gotta monitor the 16 year old idiots. Or the ones who are mentally 16. And you suck, speaking as a UConn grad. Kidding. But damn, I hated John Thompson.
By radoncbravesfan
May 22, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Mets “rock bottom, in total disarray, could get worse” according to SNY talking guys.
By N8
May 22, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
T-Paul
No need to be a smart-azz (actually, I like it, but…). You and I both know that TRYING to hit HR’s and actually making solid enough contact with the right approach, that allows a line-drive to go over the fence, are TWO different things.
It’s kind of like the desperate looking guy that goes to the bar with the “intention” and plan on getting lucky. The ladies smell that coming a MILE away.
But the cool cat at the end of the bar minding his own business goes home with the hottest chick in the house.
Chipper WASN’T trying to hit a HR. He took a low and away pitch to RF, essentially “flicking” his wrists and hit a nice little single.
Francoeur came up gunning for the fences, and swung and missed at a change, nearly screwing himself into the ground on pitch one. Then dribbled a comebacker to the Santana, on another low and away pitch that he tried to jack into the upper deck.
You tell me which approach worked.
By chase
May 22, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Dallas and FloridaBrave
Why do you two act like I’m dreaming up the Maddux thing and am the only one wanting it…?
People on here and everywhere have been calling for it…
FloridaBrave
You said “the Braves have no weak spot in their rotation now w/ Campillo and JOJo”
Look, as excited as I am about Campillo, IT WAS ONE START…don’t forget that…and JOJO hasn’t proven consistent…
With JJJ having never pitched this much, Glavine’s age, and the uncertantiy with Campillio and JoJo, you are telling me we couldn’t use MAD DOG’s consistant 5-6 good innings in the 4th spot?
If (like has been rumored) it will take one or 2 “B” prospects to get MADDUX…I would love to have that insurance policy!
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Santana is always a second half pitcher, but he just doesn’t seem the same as when he was with the Twins. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an incredible talent, just doesn’t seem to have the same stuff as in years past.
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave,
Beltran’s a switch hitter.
By A-ville Ranger
May 22, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
DOB (or an informed reader),it seems settled that Smoltz will be the closer when he comes off IR.Has he mentioned possibly starting a game or few late season and (or) post season if needed ?…thanks.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
The muts are going to have to move out some veteran players to let David Wright start controlling that locker room. mut analyst Jonas Swartz on SNY
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 22, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Interesting stat from the TV commentators during the game:
D’Backs record by division East - 3-6 Central - 3-6 West - 20-5
There is no reason to fear them for there record. The Braves should take the series from them at home. They are benefiting from the worst division in the league.
By N8
May 22, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Billy (TBFnB)
“Who let them Braves out, woot woot.”
I don’t normally speak for DOB, I’m certain he wouldn’t want me doing it. But I’ll take a stab in the dark here, and beat him to the punch on this one.
DON’T ever type that again!
Just kidding of course. Who am I to scold anybody?
Pete H.
“The way people leaped all over Huddy after he gave up two SOLO home runs really urinated me off.”
Wow. Urinate? I’m a N8 too.
Gamecock Brave
In your 9:46, you asked DOB about his thought on the way Bobby is using Acosta and Ohman (who it appears I was wrong about - not afraid to admit it, but the guy didn’t look that solid early on), obviously I’m not DOB, but I was wondering the same thing, so I’ll give you my best guess, see if you agree or not.
I think Bobby is assuming that Smoltz, Soriano and Gonzo are gonna be back (maybe not all three at once - but maybe a couple of them), and ONE OF THEM will be the closer.
So he’s using Acosta and Ohman like he will/would if they were setup men, like they will be, provided 1, 2 or ALL of those 3 guys come back soon.
However, if those guys can’t stay healthy, at some point, he’s gonna have to show some trust in somebody down there to pitch the ENTIRE 9th inning, when needed.
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
chase,
No where in my post did I say you were dreaming it up. I even admitted I was for bringing back Maddux so I have no idea what you’re talking about.
And I’m also perfectly aware it was once start. Nothing will probably happen for another 2 months and a lot can happen in those 2 months. But until Campillo or Reyes falters, there’s no reason to make a trade.So yes, with the way everyone’s throwing, we don’t need Maddux’s 5-6 innings, especially for two “B” prospects(which is expensive but I digress)
If, and only if, one of our starting pitchers falters and or becomes injured, then I’ll be right there with you on Maddux.
By JEB
May 22, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
The “D” backs have a great pitching staff, but… I think they have been the benefactor of a weak division schedule to start the season. Their record against the Est 7 Central have proven that.
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
someone tell minyana maybe he ought to extend santana for 5 more years while his value is lower now snatkety snark
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
I disagree, N8. I don’t think Bobby’s making managerial decisions based on the need to acclimate Acosta and Ohman to different roles when Smoltz/Soriano/Gonzalez comes back.He makes his decisions based on what he thinks will win the games. He uses certain guys depending on the matchup. Cox thought Acosta was the best guy to get the right-handed hitting Wright and switch-hitting Beltran out, and then he brought in Ohman to face the lefty Delgado.
By Stephen
May 22, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Grab Maddux and this team is headed to OCTOBER.
By northbeach Scott
May 22, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
There was some commentary after the Twins dealt Santana to the Mets from some unnamed scout(s) that some in the American League thought Santana had injured his arm last season. While it would not be devistating in the short term, it would curb his effectiveness this year and likely make him ineffective his last several years of the long term Mets deal (ala Mike Hampton).
Perhaps this explains the higher than (his) normal HR allowed totals over the last 14 months.
Do not wish any injuries per se to Santana, however it could not happen to bigger team of douchebags led by Minya.
By chase
May 22, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
Part of my post was directed at Dallas remember….
He was sarcastically saying “yea the Braves are gonna bring back Maddux right after they bring back Wholers, Clontz, and McGriff”
the problem with waiting too long is that the demand will go up as will the price…
and if a team knows that for whatever reason (injury etc..) that you are DESPERATE for a starter then they can try to raise the price
Also in 4 starts JOJO has pitched 18.2 innings….that cannot continue
I’d still rather have Maddux at 4 and Campillio/JOJO at 5th and the other for insurance/long relief
Campillio has been a reliever…who knows how long he’ll be able to start effectively
By FJR
May 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Favorite Mets blog quote ever (referring to McCann) “It’s pretty depressing when a morbidly obese man is better than your entire roster.”
OMG, I laughed for like 10 minutes.
By TexasBrave
May 22, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave that’s right, thanks for the clue.
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
listening to am radio and liking it must mean 1 of 2 things, youre either in love; or feeling old
or somewhere in between both
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
IF we trade for Maddog, it better not be a name we even know. Unless that name is a certain former first baseman.
Sweeping four from the mutts is great. I am still puzzled why Metroman and Snipper and the rest are not here to have a delightful conversation.
We would treat those hose-jobs as kindly as they treated us, I am sure.
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
What’s the point of trading for Maddux now? Pitching is not a problem right now, is it? No I don’t think Campillo is going to anchor down the 5 spot all season, but it’s a little early to be giving up two B prospects for a guy well past his prime who can’t go more than 5-6 innings.
Maddux has already basically said he would only be traded to several teams, including the Braves, so what’s the rush? Better options than Maddux may present themselves. It’s just too early to be sending out good prospects for pitching we don’t need right now.
Some may not be sold on Jo Jo, but he’s really improved since last season. He’s getting out of jams he never would have last season. The talent is there & he’s not over thinking things like last season.
Don’t expect the DBacks to lay down tomorrow night. Davis is pitching, first time since his cancer so I’m sure they will bring their bats.
By Louisville Brave
May 22, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
What a difference a week makes…this time last Thursday we were coming home with our tails tucked worrying what we were going to do with the back end of the rotation…now seems like the sky’s the limit with this team…I look forward to these next four games with the league leading diamond backs-who’ve got to be saddled with some doubt losing 3 straight to the marlins…with tex rolling, kj, chipper, bmac, esco, kotsay and the occasional frenchy/blanco/diaz contribution…this line-up is fierce
Go Braves!!!
By chase
May 22, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
The PADRES are like 15 games under .500…I don’t think the trade fo MAddux would cost us any name we know
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
im pretty sure i know
Campillio has been a reliever…who knows how long he’ll be able to start effectively
until the hitters make an adjustment to him thAt he cant readjust to
By brent a.
May 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
It really is hard to believe that this Braves team, which has struggled so mightily against left-handers, is now responsible for posting a career-high 12 hits against Johan Santana.
These last few days have been a lot of fun.
It was nice to see the tired look on Willie Randolph’s face at the end of the game.
Sports are symmetrical. I remember how cocky Willie looked 2 summers ago after the Mets came into TF and swept the Braves, effectively ending the dynasty. The last play of that 3rd game was newly acquired Willy Aybar being thrown out at second - and as it turns out, breaking his hand.
Now, two year’s later, Mark Kotsay (of all people) makes a diving catch to potentially put a final dagger in the Mets mini-run, as the Braves smack Johan Santana around all night, finally breaking through with a big-inning, late for the win and a 4-game sweep.
Now, hopefully, in coordination with the schedule, the Mets can become the least of our worries for a while, and we can focus our attention on passing the Phillies and Marlins.
Continuing to win at home, and then finally, please, taking this show on the road for some needed victories away from Turner Field.
Go Braves! Go Lakers!
By Lew
May 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Random-No problems, Dude. We swept the Mets. Life is good.
By N8
May 22, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
fastasballs
“Santana is always a second half pitcher, but he just doesn’t seem the same as when he was with the Twins. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an incredible talent, just doesn’t seem to have the same stuff as in years past.”
As I stated in the off-season, living up north, and there not being many Braves games on TBS last year, I went out of my way on the nights that Santana pitched to tune into the Twins games (listening to the Braves games online at the same time - of course), and I can assure you now (as I also did this past off-season), that something was not the same or “right” with him last year in the second half.
If you look at his second half last year (15 starts, 98 IP, 4.04 ERA and a 5-7 record), it’s not that far off of his start so far, which has been good, but NOT 150 million dollars good. 5-3 with a 3.36 ERA (after tonight) is hardly a bust.
But when you consider that JJJ has pitched only 5 innings less than Johan, with the same 5-3 record, and an ERA of 2.64 (along with ONLY making 390K this year), it looks as though the Mets overpaid for a guy’s past reputation, other than what he might actually give them. The Next Barry Zito, perhaps?
By Gamecock Brave
May 22, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
N8 thanks for the thoughts. Ill agree with your thoughts on that. Just gotta do what ya gotta do till the other’s are ready.
On another note, i will applaud Frank Wren for not making a hasty deal just to nab a middle rotation starter. Yes, it would be really nice to add a established solid arm, but JoJo and Jorge seem to be holding things together pretty well. Maybe a trade will happen, who knows. I will admit that i was freakin out thinkin “oh no we gotta do somethin fast”, but Frank is alot wiser than I am so im glad he is up there.
By Lew
May 22, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
One observation on the game-I watched the Mets’ feed (for some reason that’s what was on Extra Innings). They zoomed in on Hudson’s face and even replayed it several times after Santana threw a hight tight one on him during his bunt attempt. From the look on his face, I knew the game was over at that point.
Even Hernandez and Darling were commenting on it. The Mets are doing themselves no good in almost every situation. They’re just p!$$!ng off everyone (including their own teammates). Much talk about David Wright bashing his fellow Mutts last night after the game.
By northbeach Scott
May 22, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
I think it premature to be going after Maddux and I think it will take very little to get him should the Braves want him.
Maddux has a limited trade clause in his contract so there are few suitors that are even in the consideration set.
Also, Maddux is making $10 Million this year, not a cheap sum for a #4 or #5 starter that is a 5-6 inning pitcher. I imagine that the Padres will be looking to dump his salary and want little in return in the way of prospects, especially if we wait until closer to the trade deadline on July 31st.
While Maddux means a lot sentimentaly for Braves fans, not sure there will be much competition for his services. Also, his post season record is average, so he is not like a Smoltz that can win the big ones in October.
I like the idea of adding Maddux for depth and for a last big run, but not sure there is any sense of urgency. The Padres have not begun the fire sale, yet—bit premature in late May.
Now that Peavy is out and Young is likely to miss a start, the good friars actually need Maddux to put folks in the seats and provide some stability to the starting staff.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Nothing will happen with Maddux with any team including the Braves until the trading deadline is approaching. For one, the Padres are not going to give the impression they are giving up on the season in May. Two, the teams wanting Maddux will take the extra time to evaluate who they are willing to trade for him. You can’t tell from 6 weeks if a player has improved or regressed from last year in some cases. And it will only take a marginal prospect to get him since this may be his last year and he is not under contract after the year is over. You are basically renting Mad Dog for August, September and hopefully October.
By ncgary
May 22, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
resop and pena should get maddux and all but a million of his salary
By chase
May 22, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
While we are asking for things can I be greedy and ask for a trade that would bring us a LEFT FIELDER WITH POWER!!!!
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
The Padres are crashing so if anything the price for Maddux will go down. He has a no-trade clause so he controls where he goes & if he goes. He’s not going to any division rivals so there isn’t going to be some out of control bid war for a well past his prime 42 year old pitcher.
I’d love to see him pitch for the Braves, but in a more nostalgic kinda way. I don’t want to waste a few prospects for a half season rental unless needed & I just don’t see the need right now.
Wren isn’t going to jump on him now because there isn’t a pressing need & there is plenty of time if there is one.
By Pete H.
May 22, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Gee, the whiny-babies have run away.
Just like the Mutts fanatics.
Watch the game, THEN say Huddy sucks, OK? Easy enough.
By chase
May 22, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
ncgary
that may not be the Only issue w/Campillio….his ARM may not let him continue…he was never really given the chance to stretch it out
By David O'Brien
May 22, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
Gamecock Brave, Bobby and Roger have found a formula they like with a patchwork bullpen, and the pitchers are thriving in it. Until they get a “real” closer, can’t argue with what’s working splendidly.
What they’ve done to maximize the talents of their healthy pitchers is pretty special.
By the way, Arizona has scored 10 total runs during its six-game road losing skid.
By ernesto
May 22, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Y’know, now nice is it to have a guy like Infante to play when someone’s down vs. Woodcrap and Orr?
I’m not saying we have a dominant bench, but at least it’s not a bunch of slam dunk outs.
I think our bench was responsible for a number of missed opportunities last year.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 22, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Anybody want to take bets on whether Willie Randolph is still the Mets manager by the time their plane touches down at the team’s next destination?
By chase
May 22, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
On another subject…you wanna know the difference between teams like the Braves/Mets…just look at the Pistons/Celtics game tonight…
Pistons up by 3 w/10 seconds to go…the C’s are all nervous after their time-out but the camera zooms around on Rasheed, Rip Hamiliton, and Tayshon Prince who are all jamming and singing along to “Paradise City” over the PA..LOL
It’s like the METS where up then they were stupid enough to P*SS everyone off with that pitch at HUDDY’s head…then boom….
a team that is used to winning does what they do best and have done to the MUTS every year for virtually the past 17 yeasrs
By Braint
May 22, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Hudson 7-3 2.96 ERA….Yeah, he sucks.
By Paddy McGillicutty
May 22, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
How SWEEP it is!!!
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
chase,
There’s always demand for pitching. Deals just don’t happen this early because teams haven’t decided that they’re out of it yet.
We’re not as desperate as any other team. We still have Bennett in the bullpen, Morton in AAA, Caryle on the DL. The price doesn’t change- teams will try to get the pieces they want no matter what- the main thing that changes based on desperation is what teams are willing to give up.
Reyes had one start where he came out early due to injury already. He’s pitched well thus far and he may be at the point where he accomplished all he could accomplish at AAA. It seems Jo-Jo has shown we can take the training wheels off. I also worry about his development if we bounce him out of the rotation when he pitches well.
Maybe Campillo won’t be able to start effectively. And if that time comes, I’d love to get Maddux. but I really don’t see how it can be argued that we should trade for Maddux when we don’t have the need for it at the moment. Maddux might not even be made available yet(especially with Peavy on the DL and Young having been injured).
By chase
May 22, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
slick Willie won’t be a MUT manager for much longer…could happen within the next week-10 days unless they get on a 5 game win streak…maybe even then
By Gamecock Brave
May 22, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
It is really remarkable how the bullpen has excelled in the past weeks.
By FloridaBrave
May 22, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
fastasballs wrote:
“Wren isn’t going to jump on him now because there isn’t a pressing need & there is plenty of time if there is one.”
My point exactly.
By keylargo
May 22, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
NorthBeachScott
Man, you sure know your baseball. I am really impressed with your knowledge and GM like mind.
Your admirer,
Keylargo 8)
By TexasBrave
May 22, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
I’d like to take a stab at guessing what the Braves will do when the trio of Smoltz, Gonzalez and Soriano come back. First timing will be key. Right now Wren has to be shopping Resop and Ring. Both have looked good as of late although I don’t think we would get much more than prospects for them. You would absolutely have to hate to let them try and clear waivers because some team(s) will most definitely pick them up and we would get nothing in return.
So back to timing. If a trade is in the works perhaps you could keep the trio on th DL an extra day or two or if just one is ready perhaps send Stockman back to the minors. You could even, although I hate the idea, send Bennett down.
Ultimately if no trade can be made both Resop and Ring will have to be released and that would be a crying shame. But I guess it is a good problem to have. Just think of how well our bullpen has been performing lately with Acosta, Boyer, Ohman, Bennett, Stockman, Ring and Resop. Just think of how much better it will be when it is Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, Acosta, Boyer, Bennett and Ohman. Oh my!
By Saltywoody
May 22, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with some of the posts about Santana.
I hadn’t seen him pitch yet this year (had only been watching box scores) and was mildly unimpressed tonight.
He’s still throwing hard and he’s got a ton of poise and that nasty change. But, he was not nearly as dominant as he’s been in the past.
It also could have something to do with the Bravos playing great ball, though, too. One of the Mutts announcers mentioned tonight that it looked like the Braves had a definite gameplan tonight, which was to come in swinging at the first good pitch they saw…so as to avoid the changeup later in the count.
Still, I wonder if Santana is not quite the same guy as in Minnesota. That said? He is NOT the next Barry Zito. Not even close.
By GeorgetownKid
May 22, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Those who believe that Maddux should not cost us “a name we know” may be forgetting that the Braves will not be the only team inquiring about trading for Maddux.
I guarantee that another team would be willing to part with a decent prospect in order to land a solid starter with unmatched postseason experience.
We won’t need to trade the farm in order to obtain Maddux, but if you think we will get Maddux in exchange for players like Thorman or Pena, you are kidding yourself.
By fastasballs
May 22, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
N8 I watched Sanatana only a few times last season. I didn’t realize he was that off #’s wise in the 2nd half of last season.
The Mets are doing what they always do, overpay for free agents. Omar has all but ruined their farm system by trading off virtually anyone with a pulse so they are forced to to go the free agent route.
The Mets were built to win this year & it’s not happening. They are a team full of aged & declining players with a few young possible stars sprinkled in. Injuries & declines have caught up with them. To think we have it bad with Hampton, lol.
The way the Mets & others try to build teams is going get more & more difficult. The smaller market teams are locking up their young stars much earlier so they avoid the first 3-4 years of free agency. Of course this cuts down on the talent pool of free agency & those teams like the Mets are forced to overpay for virtually anyone they sign.
As much as the Braves can irritate me I just couldn’t be a Mets fan. I’d rather follow a team who builds from within & fills in gaps by trades or free agency verse any team that just buys a roster. Even when the Braves had one of the higher payrolls they never signed players long term like the Mets have. Castillo’s four year deal is my personal favorite of recent years. Maybe we’ll be laughing at Sanatan’s like that in a few seasons.
Where are all those Muts fans that were telling us the Braves were broke & couldn’t afford the good players?
By N8
May 22, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
“Campillio has been a reliever…who knows how long he’ll be able to start effectively”
Since 2005, Campillo has made 51 appearances in the minor leagues. 48 of them have been starts.
Over those 51 games, he has compiled 263.3 innings. Which means that he has averaged about 5.13 IP per game.
I don’t think it’s out of line to get 5-6 innings out of him when he starts, and as the 5th starter, he can be used in relief when there is no need for a 5th starter.
What I like about him, is that in 308.2 IP combined between the minors, the Mariners and now with the Braves, he’s only given up 20 career HR’s (1 every 15 or so innings). And don’t forget, he was in Seattle’s system which is in the PCL, which has some pretty good hitters parks.
Guys that can keep the ball in the yard, are gonna have a better chance at succeeding, IMO. Ask Chuck James, who in 309 Major League innings has given up 59 HR (1 every 5 innings or so). Now, to be fair to Chuck, in 409 minor league innings, he only gave up 19 HR’s, (1 every 21.5 innings pitched). So take it all for what it’s worth. LOL!
FloridaBrave
You may be correct about Bobby’s philosophy in the 9th inning. However, he has NEVER done that in the past to my recollection. Even when closer’s are injured or ineffective, within a week or two, he’s found his “guy” who will pitch the 9th inning, regardless of which arm they throw with.
Maybe we’re both right.
Stephen
“Grab Maddux and this team is headed to OCTOBER.”
We’re (along with every other team) headed to OCTOBER either way. The question is whether we’ll be playing then. Sorry. Had to.
I’m actually all for getting Maddux back in a Braves uniform. Not sure why. It goes against every bit of me that wants the team to get younger. Just like him that much I guess.
Unlike Chuck, Jo-Jo and possibly Campillo, Maddux would give us some consistency in the 4th or 5th spot.
In his 10 starts, he’s gone less than 5 innings only once. He’s gone 6 or more innings 6 times. Given up 4 or more runs only 3 times. Given up 2 or less runs 5 times.
For the year, he is 3-4 in 10 starts, 59.1 IP, 26 ER (3.94 ERA). However, in one start he went 7 innings and gave up 9 of those ER. If you take away that start (which I realize you can’t), he’d be 3-3 with a 2.92 ERA.
That one game has added a full run to his ERA.
So yeah. I’d take him in the 5th spot, possibly the 4th spot of the rotation.
By GeorgetownKid
May 22, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Pete H.
By the way, as a UConn grad, I should be hating you!! With the exception of the past two years, you have had a lot more to cheer for than I have.
And my undergrad school is UVA, which has given me absolutely nothing to cheer for…other than Lacrosse and woman’s soccer.
By Mark
May 22, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
METROPOLITIAN MAN….WHERE HAVE YOU GONE???
By Greg O.
May 22, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard from the Metropolitan Man? His forecast of the series was spot on.
By monty
May 22, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Way to go Huddy! Dr.Jekyl subdued Mr. Hyde after the back to back jacks and pitched a masterful game! THe team looks like a team now,instead of 2 or 3 guys carrying the load. It’s great when Chipper can just hit a single to the opposite field and not feel as if he needed to hit it out and win the game by himself because he knows the guys behind him are helping. You can see the confidence everyone is playing with. It’s contagious! We could be monsters.
By PhillyGirl
May 22, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Georgetown
Philly talk radio has already broached the subject of the Phils trading for Greg Maddux. We had better not let you guys re-live the glory years - we’re trying to start some glory years of our own!!
And I must admit, I enjoyed the down years after big JT. You Ivy League types have enough to cheer for as it is.
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
SALTWOODY:
METS crash on the road. SANTANA’s long-term arm injury my friend told me about appears to be showing up early. Maybe most of baseball (YANKEES)knew something OMAR MINAYA ignored. I mean, if there’s a rat (permanent damage to SANTANA’s arm), he HAD to know.
By Overlord
May 23, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
This is just in… Some muts fans were found hanged in queens, just outside Shea Stadium. Their names have not been revealed yet. Local authorities said some of them had white T-shirts on, with their nicknames on them, Snipper69, metropolitan man, AmazinsAgain08, metsfan were among the nicknames mentioned.
I hope is not our blog friends, Im sooooooo worried about their health. Come on guys, its not the last series against the braves, youll get your chance. Maybe next time it will only be this bad. It will be hard to duplicate such a horrible performance. Well, on 2nd thought, we are talking about the muts, it could get worse.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 23, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
If you want to post to metroman here
By AGTFan
May 23, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
OK. I didn’t get to watch the game tonight. %^$# MIGRAINE!! I’m sitting here now with my head packed in ice, but I’m SMILING!!
The next road trip, the Bravos need to pack up the entire families and friends and pets of all the players and take it all with them. Whatever they’ve got at home is working. A late inning come from behind game against one of the best pitchers in the game. I’ll take it.
By Billy (TBFnB)
May 23, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
I like the idea of Smoltz, Gonzo, and Soriono in the bullpen but I’m a believer in the theory of “if it aint broken, dont fix it”. I am a little concerned how the potential overhaul will effect everyone. But Seeing smoltz throw 98mph + will be fun.
By GeorgetownKid
May 23, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
Philly Girl,
Georgetown isn’t an Ivy League school.
By Lou Dobbs
May 23, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
What the hell is wrong with you people ?,this country ?,my ratings ? No sooner did Aaaahndrew ”the brown bummer”Jones ship off to LaLa land you bring in another ”boat person” to take the job of a hard working American.Jurrjens,what is that some kind of ”Dutch chocolate” ? I gotta go,my mud facial is getting too dry.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Greg O.: Nice link. I hadn’t read that post… I especially liked this line:
I think the braves are expecting the lazy METS to show up but those pesky ones will show up and make some noise with the bats.
By Shamus Thacker
May 23, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Metro Chap is in hiding. Willie Randolph’s job security is less than solid I’d thank.
What’s the latest on GlassMan DOB? Hammy’s boob outa traction yet? How the Hell can something change his pitching motion when he never pitches? Think I’d take my chances sooner or later. Guess likkered-up honkey tonk floozies are just too bigga draw… I know the feelin…
Aloha from the squalid vistas of Cedartown.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
I don’t get how Willie gets all of the blame. The blame mostly lies with Omar. He has put together a poorly constructed team the last two years. They are a top heavy team made up of 8 players: Wagner, Santana, Maine, Perez, Reyes, Wright, Church, Beltran
Omar deserves alot of credit for Church, Maine and Perez. Omar deserves no credit for Reyes and Wright. He lucked into inheriting them. The pocketbooks of the Wilpons deserve most of the credit for Beltran, Santana and Wagner. Whatever credit Omar gets for Beltran, Wagner and Santana is negated by the consequences of Pedro, Alou, Castillo and Delgado.
He has put together a team that has an offensive black hole at the back end of the rotation, at catcher, first, left and second base. The bullpen is nothing special
They have no farm system right now…. Ed Coleman of WFAN said today that the Mets called up a catcher they don’t need today because Casanova was the only minor leaguer capable of making a contribution at the major league level
He has scapegoated his manager and has somehow gotten away with that. The problem with that is that he never let Willie surround himself with coaches of Willie’s own choosing. He let Willie have one coach of his own choosing (Rick Down) when Willie was hired. Omar then foolishly fired Down last summer, thereby leaving Willie with no coaches of his own choosing.
A manager is often only as good as the players and coaches he is surrounded by. Since Omar is the one choosing the players and the coaches, why the hell is Willie getting the blame?
Omar made all the right moves in 2006. He provided the team good depth in the pen, rotation and bench. He seemed to have the magic touch. He’s lost that. There’s only so long you can overpay for guys, have no farm system, and hope for the best with broken down has beens like Easley, Valentin, Castillo, Alou, Pedro, Delgado, Loduca, Schneider. El Duque.
By N8
May 23, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Saltywoody
“Still, I wonder if Santana is not quite the same guy as in Minnesota. That said? He is NOT the next Barry Zito. Not even close.”
I guess I should have clarified that. I don’t think he’ll fall of the face of the map like Zito did.
That being said, can you name all of the previous pitchers that signed 100+ million dollar contracts, and what their “fate” was within a few years of signing said deal? Hell, let’s break it down to pitchers that got more than 60 million dollar contracts.
Chan Ho Park
Kevin Brown
Mike Hampton
Barry Zito
AJ Burnett
I’m not saying that Johan is an injury waiting to happen and he’s gonna all of the sudden stink it up. But clearly he hasn’t carried that Mets staff the way they expected him to. That being said, there is a “few” years left on the deal.
But believe me. There is a reason JS never gave out that kind of money to pitchers. The fact that he “took” on Hampton at all is kind of shocking. But he was relatively healthy up to that point in his career.
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Kelly and Francoeur both mentioned that the Braves plan to take their white home jerseys on the road, just to hang them in their lockers if for nothing else.
Kelly mentioned breaking the “dress code” and wearing them in road games, but that’s not going to happen and I think he was mostly saying that in jest. But I do think they’ve discussed taking them and hanging them in lockers, which would be amusing, for sure. Just something to break the “curse” I’d imagine.
If they win three out of four in the Arizona series, something tells me that kind of momentum is not going to be wasted when they got to Cincy and Milwaukee. They can win at both of those places.
Hell, if they play like they have this week, they can win anywhere, obviously…
Billy, I wouldn’t expect 98-plus MPH from Smoltz, but he was popping the mitt today more than he has in some time….
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Anders left us with John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” when he departed from the blog
2-7 against the Bravos.
Karma’s a b!tch ain’t it, Anders?
By N8
May 23, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Braveheart
“A manager is often only as good as the players and coaches he is surrounded by. Since Omar is the one choosing the players and the coaches, why the hell is Willie getting the blame?”
Whoaah! Slow down there fella. Be careful what you insinuate.
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
PhillyGirl, I’d be absolutely shocked if Maddux agreed to drop his no-trade clause for a Philly trade. Shocked. Can’t see that happening.
By Mark in PA
May 23, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Anybody want to take bets on whether Willie Randolph is still the Mets manager by the time their plane touches down at the team’s next destination? Robert(CIB)
Wow, that’s cold. I was going to give him to the end of the next home stand—but I’m not going to take your bet, either!
I’m actually all for getting Maddux back in a Braves uniform. Not sure why. N8
I am stunned. STUNNED! Mr. Evaluation devoid of emotion (esp. positive emotions!) has been sucked in by the lure of the Great Reunion. True, his numbers are better this year than last, but do you REALLY think he’s the best deal (i.e. value/cost) out there for our need? Or is it another verse of the Beach Boys song “Wouldn’t It Be Nice…”
Yes, he was great when he was here, but we would not be getting that guy back. Let’s save the reunion for Cooperstown.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
May 23, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
I’m watching ‘The Departed’yet again on one of the many fine HBO channels.I’ve lost count of the number of viewings to date.There is a short list of films that are so well acted,rich in nuance and just plain entertaining that each time I watch I get something new and enjoy the ride.’The Godfather’is the all time champ,’GoodFellas’ is now second on the Scorsese list ‘The Departer’ has bumped it…at least for now.
By Stephen
May 23, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
DOB,
What was the atmosphere like in the Braves clubhouse? Was it unlike anything that’s been experienced by you thus far?
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Kotsay said something interesting yesterday afternoon about Santana losing 2 or 3 mph over the last few years. If you look at his numbers, Kotsay is right. Santan’s fastball, slider and changeup have all lost 1.5 to 2 mph since 2006.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=755&position=P
By northbeach Scott
May 23, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
keylargo You are too kind with the complements—thank you.
Our almost simultaneous posts at 11:15 regarding Maddux contained many of the same ideas. It is nice to interact with posters with a more strategic grasp of baseball, such as yourself vs some of the childish, reactionary responses that are so prevelent on the blog.
Also, what I suspect happens is that discussions that ulimately result in trades are likely to be on going over some period of time (i.e. Braves discussing acquisition of Greg Norton in ST with Seattle ultimately landing him in early May). Naturally, we armchair GMs are not privy to those discussions—hence the blog. It only seems like the trades pop up and we feel excluded.
Of course it is hard to negotiate a trade and keep all the bloggers updated to the minute—Ha, Ha.
My final thought for the night, the Braves are playing well as a team an firing on all cylinders, even with injury woes. Really proud of them for playing such good fundamental ball. I enjoyed going to all four games this week, not just because we won, but the how we did it.
The “How” matters since playing the game right is sustainable for a while. As someone mentioned previously, success in hitting, pitching, fielding, baserunning, etc. is contageous and it shows.
Not sure how a Mets fan could ever share their silly opinions on this blog with the pathetic steaming pile of offal that their organization has become.
The Mets are a festering pustule of overpaid, underachieving, backbiting, little b*tches. To see that immature fool Jose Reyes giggling in the dugout last night while Rome was burning showed a lot about his character and the Mets lack thereof.
By N8
May 23, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
DOB
“Hell, if they play like they have this week, they can win anywhere, obviously…”
Believe it or not. Totally agree. Even you have to agree, that this seems like a different team than the one that went 2-5 on the last trip to Pittsburgh and Philly.
“Billy, I wouldn’t expect 98-plus MPH from Smoltz, but he was popping the mitt today more than he has in some time….”
I was wondering where that comment came from. I scrolled the blog to see if you had mentioned him throwing THAT hard. Since it’s been a while since he’s thrown that hard.
I was beginning to wonder why he didn’t drop to a 3/4 arm angle a LONG time ago, if that was the result. LOL!
Mark in PA
I hear you. The only part about the Maddux scenario that is a bit off, is the 10 million dollar contract he’s signed to (approximately only 5.8 million left on that deal….and dropping as each day goes by).
But it comes down to consistency.
In a perfect world, I’d like to see us find another JJJ. IE: somebody who can help fortify the rotation NOW, and anchor it in the future. That might be a tall order though.
So the next best thing (since it’s not my money), would be to snag Maddux for the remainder of the season, and then ride Hudson and JJJ in the post-season (provided we figure out how to win on the road - and actually get there).
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
Shamus, it was Smoltz who changed his delivery, not Hampton. Read closer, my Irish friend.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
May 23, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
N8 I’m guessing you’re the same N8 who post at Rivals UGA site.Same M.O.,you like to stir things a bit.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 23, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Great segment at the start of Baseball Tonight about the Braves whoopin’ up on the Mutts the first 3 games.
Then Wright’s comments about the team going through the motions every night. Then they showed tonights game and the sweep as they continued to trash the Mutts.
It’s was a 3-4 min segment and the whole focus was on the Mutts poor play. Ordinarily I would be a little p** about their focus on the Mutts poorness and not really a lot of praise for the Bravos but in this case it was most enjoyable.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Also, what I suspect happens is that discussions that ulimately result in trades are likely to be on going over some period of time (i.e. Braves discussing acquisition of Greg Norton in ST with Seattle ultimately landing him in early May). Naturally, we armchair GMs are not privy to those discussions—hence the blog. It only seems like the trades pop up and we feel excluded.
That’s very true. I heard Frank Wren in an interview during spring training talk about how the foundation for the Renteria trade was laid down with the Tigers at lunch between Wren and the Tigers GM last June. He said he was told the Tigers would very much be interested in Edgar. Thus, something quickly got done in the offseason because Wren had done the legwork getting it done 5 months prior when he wasn’t even the GM. It looked quick but it actually took 5 months of work.
By Mark in PA
May 23, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
I suffered through the teeth-gnashing of this blog during the tough stretches (I even contributed to the wailing), but the Mets blogs right now are providing some prospective on those times.
A poster “Da Fan” offers the following:
Fire Willie and let him take these over paid gutless pieces of crap with him. This team has absolutely no heart. From the owners all the way down to the bat boys. Absolute gutless pieces of of garbage.
Oh, yes—Fire the bat boys!! They’re as much to blame as anyone! I don’t think we ever got to that point.
By N8
May 23, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Teddy Jack Eddy
“N8 I’m guessing you’re the same N8 who post at Rivals UGA site.Same M.O.,you like to stir things a bit”
I’m not actually. I’m not a college sports fan at all, and not from that area of the country.
The only two blogs/message boards I participate in are this one and the Chiefs message boards on the KC-Star website.
Believe me, I annoy plenty of people on that board as well. Imagine my “short fuse” for a 16 game schedule. It ain’t pretty. But then again, football fans are a little more over the top than baseball fans, so I just try and keep up.
You’d be SHOCKED at how many racist comments are directed at Herm Edwards on that site. Ridiculous.
By John
May 23, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
I was at the game tonight and every year there are a fews games I attend that just make me proud to be a Braves fan. Hell, proud to be an Atlanta sports fan. Dozens of people brought brooms, which you hardly see anymore, and everyone was giving the Mets’ fans crap the whole game. Even ushers and venders were heckling their fans. Quite a night. I’m really proud of this team.
Also, when the Mets traded for Santana, Hudson said that he was a good pitcher but definitely beatable. I’m glad to see him prove that tonight.
By uga-brave
May 23, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
well it is pretty obvious that this current hot steak is because bobby is the smartest manager of all time.
you guys know me, the one thing i will never stand for is criticism of # 6.
overlord, not to call you out, but you think bobby is a idiot. dont know why?
this guy has always commanded respect out of his clubhouse, and the right guys have always responded.
my lead in was in jest , but of all the ills in one run games was never bobby’s fault.
kinda funny when guys do their jobs the manager looks smart.
i guarantee, that DOB can tell you about disfunctional clubhouses. he knows several beat writers.
i will bet you fat matt’s rib shack ribs for a year that he has never heard in public about anybody that hated playing for bobby.
By albanian braves fan
May 23, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
is wondering why john smoltz is speaking much of timetables.
was missing train? or missing favorite t.v. show? bill engvall show most likely.
By Louisville Brave
May 23, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
northbeach Scott and Keylargo…why don’t you get a room already?
By BA
May 23, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
The Smoltz news is fantastic, DOB. He was “poppin’ the mitt”? Three quarters? This is phenomenal. I honestly think that if we can go Soriano to Smoltz, Gonzalez OR O-man(two years ago we didn’t even HAVE a lefty out there) for lefties, and Acosta/Boyer?! I’ll, well, I’ll be embarrassed. Because that’s just too flashy. With that pen and this lineup, we’ll run away with this division. I have zero doubt the Smoltz project is going to work. I just find it hard to believe he could be any better than he already was as the closer. Keep it up, DOB. Anybody who says newpapers are dead should see what you’re doing here. If everybody had the **s to work as hard as you do, these papers would be making a fortune. Like Oprah money.
By FsuBravesfan10
May 23, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
N8
I believe you made a comment regarding Maddux and his ERA, correct me if I’m wrong because I didn’t look it up, just going off of memory, but wasn’t his worst outing (7innings you described), the game that followed that 22 inning marathon?
By Lew
May 23, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
NBeachScott-A festering pustule? Damn, son, they think I’m hard on the Mets.
By albanian braves fan
May 23, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
blog is speaking of “curse” of braves when going “on road”.
albanians is believing that if breaking something before leaving on journey then - misfortune!
braves should be sure not breaking anything before going “on road”.
maybe not throwing “breaking balls”. perhaps.
By N8
May 23, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
FsuBravesfan10
“I believe you made a comment regarding Maddux and his ERA, correct me if I’m wrong because I didn’t look it up, just going off of memory, but wasn’t his worst outing (7innings you described), the game that followed that 22 inning marathon?”
Yup. Just looked it up. It was the very next night. They lost 9-0. Maybe that one can be discarded, huh?
By BA
May 23, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
That series against Oakland was the best thing that could have happened. The 2 and 5 road trip crowd loses to Santana tonight. Chipper is not to be denied this year, I almost ran off the road when I heard he was in the lineup. The best thing about (potentially) getting back the Maddog? I can promise you McCann is smart enough to catch him.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 23, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
metropolitan man - met blog
Feel free to check out this blog and post to Metroman and his fellow muttheads.
You know the biggest difference between the Braves and the Mets is that they had no young talent to go to when the veteran signings failed to produce or got injured.
Biggest difference by far. They have nobody to call up whereas we have half a team at AAA ready to come up (yeah that’s exaggerated but I’m feeling good now so deal with it)
All I can say is I can’t wait for our next couple of losses to get the naysayers and doomsday prophets back on here to kick around. LOL
By albanian braves fan
May 23, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
albanians also believing:
wash hands BEFORE using of bathroom or fortune will disappear.
By albanian braves fan
May 23, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
is thinking of brilliant plan to break curse of braves “on road”:
is wearing of “white” uniforms UNDERNEATH “on road” uniforms. other team cannot see!
is hoping not too hot. however.
By uga-brave
May 23, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
braveheart,
dont let this go to your head. i have always thought you were one up on us.
you defended chuck last year and you have always defended our right fielder. evven though frenchy went o-for he looks beter at the plate.
in his at bats tonight, he looked much better. not lunging, waiting for the ball to get to him. keeping his weight back.
he is the key master, if he hits the braves win.
tex will hit, chipper is HOSS. b,macc is probably one of the top four offensive catchers in the league.
my point is, you said this team struggled because tex was not hitting. rightfully so.
but my point is, during that bad run our corner outfielders, did not hit a lick. no .oba, no .ops.
i dont think we will see chuck back. unless a emergecy. jo-jo has better stuff. of course i say that on the eve of his next start. but here is my question do you really think chuck can be a every day starter?
By ColoradoBravesFan
May 23, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah… Braves Win, Braves Win, Braves Win…just finished watching the game on DVR and now all you guys have celebrated the sweep and moved on to getting Maddux from the Padres.
Kelly Johnson has looked much better in the field lately. Hands and feet looked much smoother and quicker, especialy on that line drive double play in the 9th to get Wright.
I think getting Maddux is not what the Braves need. With Smoltz out of the rotation, I don’t the Braves should go into the post season with Hudson, JJJ and Glavine as our starters. I don’t believe we would win a short 5 game or a seven game post season series. Not going up against the D-backs aces of Webb and Harden, or against the Cubs Ace Zambrano.
I really wish Frank Wren could pull a rabbit out of the hat and get an Dominate #1 or 1a to replace Smoltz in the rotation. I don’t have a clue as who will be available in July, I just know I will complain that the price in prospects is too high. We have plenty of depth at 3, 4 and 5 in the rotation, just need that one post season power pitcher, (in the Josh Beckett mold) to win in October.
Glad I don’t have to make those decisions…
Go Bravos…
By AmazinsAgain08
May 23, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this
Somehow, I don’t think we will be blessed with the presence of our brethren from the great city of New York tonight. They could prove me wrong, but I just don’t see it.PeteH
Yeah yeah, you always talk that trash but I’m always here to make sure you’re wrong.
Best series I’ve seen Atlanta play in a long while. Youse guys are purring on all cylinders right now, and the Mets are stumbling around in a fog. But the season is still young and the Braves gotta prove that they can start getting it done on the road or we’re both gonna be looking up at the Phils and maybe the Fish all year.
Gotta admit youe guys broke my heart this week, but I’ll be looking forward to the next matchup and another chance for us to clean your clocks.
By Cherokee
May 23, 2008 3:42 AM | Link to this
Campillio has been a reliever…who knows how long he’ll be able to start effectively
until the hitters make an adjustment to him thAt he cant readjust toNCGary
I think he started for years in the Mexican league didn’t he?
By AmazinsAgain08
May 23, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
Not sure how a Mets fan could ever share their silly opinions on this blog with the pathetic steaming pile of offal that their organization has become.
The Mets are a festering pustule of overpaid, underachieving, backbiting, little b*tches. To see that immature fool Jose Reyes giggling in the dugout last night while Rome was burning showed a lot about his character and the Mets lack thereof.Northbeach
C’mon dude, don’t be shy, tell us how you really feel about my beloved Mets.
By 96,sc
May 23, 2008 5:13 AM | Link to this
N8 You’re making me all weepy. It’s good to hear.You sound like you have enjoyed the play of the Braves lately. Finally some good baseball. Oh, and your 10:36 post made me laugh out loud. Wow. Urinate
By Random
May 23, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this
uga-brave: “[Francoeur]is the key master, if he hits the braves win.”
Yeah, and McCann is the Gate Keeper, to prevent the other team from scoring.
By GermanBravesFan
May 23, 2008 5:38 AM | Link to this
Greetings from Germany! All I can say is: How sweep it is!!
By ncscoots
May 23, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
“the most fun we’ve had all year”
Paraphrasing, but that quote from the clubhouse seems telling to me. Tight game, division rival, ace pitching opposition…all the ingredients for a loss in April become a recipe for “fun” in May. When the team can joke about their road woes, re hanging the white jerseys, you know they are feeling pretty good about things. Baseball, you gotta love it.
It also helps when you have six guys swinging the bat instead of three, guess that tends to up the fun factor, LOL. Probably can’t expect all those guys to keep hitting at the same time, but at least we’ve seen that the offense foreseen by many in March actually does exist, and that bodes well.
Braves are still probably one starter short, but they’ve managed to hide that blemish for the time being. So I think the rest of us can ignore it, too.
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
i was the “and idiot” that brought up the maddux redux,
its true that maddux postseason record is not the superman status he has earned in april thru september, but you can take that 2 ways,
either he isnt capable of stepping up in postseason?? maddux now lets be real here in our assessments, or the odds are in his favor of having an outstanding october
even without hampton ever throwing another pitch, the bravos probably dont need maddux, but hampton contract collecting insurance money , sure leaves the money available, and mlb would probably help to get a deal like this done for the storyline alone
either way with or without hampton, its ring time in october if braves keep playing like this
By BostonBravesGirl
May 23, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
My XMRadio subscription is so worth it, especially now that TBS has dumped the Braves. In Boston, there have been just three Braves games on TV this season. For those of you closer to Atlanta now feeling my pain (TN, AL), I highly recommend it.
It’s great to hear Skip and Joe in real time during home games way up here in the cold northeast.
By Overlord
May 23, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
uga-brave Cox has lots of good qualities, including knowing how to keep everything behind doors, little if any controversy in the clubhouse. Conflict players are not allowed in the team. He doesnt lets the team go too high or too low no matter what. Finding talent out of nowhere. He knows what to do and how to move his “pieces” when half the team or key players are injured. But man, he also is good driving lots of fans nuts. Lots of decisions are not good and he just keeps doing it or not addressing them, ie:
Keeping KJ as a leadoff hitter more than it was necessary to know he was not the answer. Know he has him hitting 7th, KJ is finally looking like the KJ we expect to cheer for.
Keeping AJ as cleanup hitter 4 months, we all knew after 2 months even the woodward would have done better than him as cleanup (sarcasm).
Having faith on Orr more than he should have had.
Not addressing the present bunting problem this team is having.
Letting Wickman be the closer for too long, while soriano or moylan were better options.
Pinch running for TEX in close game, the move was sooooooo bad, i dont think there was a single blogger that didnt think so… and it came back to hunt him. This was only one of tons of bad decisions he has made.
Of course all managers do make bad moves, they are humans. But bobby has been second guessed too much (to my delight) last few years. Im pretty sure this team is what it is and what it has been last 17 years because of him, but it has also failed tons of times because of him and not because of their players.
Im also afraid once he is gone, we might miss him, but then again, this organization is soooooo deep in talent and not only in players but in coaches also, that im sure once he is gone braves will find a very good replacement for him. I just wish it will be somebody that has been near bobby for an extended period of time, say smoltz, maddux, glavine, pendleton, chipper, hubbard.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
uga, the irony is that i think you are more negative about francoeur than i am because you believe in him more than i do. i’ve come to accept that he might not become a superstar but may just be a solid or borderline star.
as for chuck, he’s likely done for the year with the big league team and rightfully so. reminds me of cliff lee last year for the indians. lee was alot like chuck. a solid back end of the rotation guy who fell apart last season and got sent to the minors. lee primarily throws fastballs and changeups like chuck (lee does have 5 pitches though but primarily throws fastballs and changeups). his fastball is at about the same exact speed as chuck. until this year, lee was primarily a flyball pitcher and gave up a unhealthy share of homers himself. this year, lee has flipped that around and has become a groundball pitcher and has developed more control and a better ability to locate. to be sure, lee has been the beneficiary of luck and will regress back to the mean before the end of the year. but maybe chuck can get some things figured out and the braves can catch some lightning in the bottle next year with chuck like the indians have this year with lee. or more likely, the braves will sell the cliff lee comparison enough to get some team so geeked up they trade a player of value to the braves for chuck.
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
OVERLORD:
Dave Brundige is running for Cox’s replacement. AJC is making up the poll as I type.
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
BTW, I voted for SWEEP in that AJC poll along with 13+ % of others.
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
OVERLORD:
Yeah, the season is ONLY half over with the METS @ 7-2. As I continually remind my son-in-law, WHY are you METS FANS - WHY - WHY???
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
AmazinsAgain08:
Rightous post by NorthBrave. Yours of 4:00 somthin’ a.m. Weak response, weak. TG I don’t follow the Amazins. Dude, seriously. You should not commit suicide. Pull for the Braves instead and be happy.
By nolie
May 23, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
, lee has flipped that around and has become a groundball pitcher and has developed more control and a better ability to locate. to be sure, lee has been the beneficiary of luck and will regress back to the mean before the end of the year. but maybe chuck can get some things figured out and the braves can catch some lightning in the bottle next year with chuckBraveheart
I think that it’s unlikely that Chuck will ever be able to be a consistant groungball pitcher with his current mechanics. He does not get up over it and follow through enough to be sure it comes down all the time. I think he would have to seriously change his mechanics and I’m not sure how likely that is to happe. Chuck was a stud in the minors because his change up was so good and because minor league hitters almost never see a polished offspeed pitch like that. They swing at it off timing and off the plate. At this level players are more used to it and learn to wait on the fastball which is really not all that special especially since it is usually up. Just a poor combo of just one exceptional pitch and the inability to pitch down regularly at this level. A Third pitch would help some but it would have to be a good one. I hope he improves and I think he has done pretty well given his limitations, but I really don’t see a huge turnaround in the works. In the old days a scout would have been very leery of that delivery.
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
BostonBraves Girl:
Right on. Sat in the car and grooved on the ninth inning last night. Gotta’ get a radio inside that I can XM on.
Thank you BBG. It’s nice to see someone in Boston still appreciates the Braves. That town was looney-tunes for lettin’ them walk. That’s the ONLY thing about Boston I don’t like.
By ManOfTeal
May 23, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Gary…..the Marlins swept the Diamondbacks. The Marlins are for real.
The Braves better bring their “A” game this weekend against the Diamondbacks because I’m sure they are more than frustrated about getting swept by the Marlins and they are going to be looking to take it out on the Braves.
Go Marlins!!!!
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
after reading the gas giveaway story by mlb, maybe they should consider alternatives, heres an idea , put impeachment on table and end executive privilidge, then we can review the secret energy plans that have ruined our american way of life and endangered our very livelihoods . we have to realize that love defeats evil
so
after impeachment instead of hanging them like they probably deserve, they should be placed into mental healt facilities and given the best physical care available and shown films of how their policys were starving people worldwide
well if we did this gas would come down in under 2 bucks until we could get everyone using solar and wind energy and electrically powered transportation
well call me a traitor or censor me, but love ends in the end, i read the script
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Payne: Of those three instances one was a moot point. The guy was credited with a home run. The sticky part is was it over the wall or in the park? Changing that call would have no impact on the game what-so-ever.
But what about when a call does impact a game? And what about getting a call right no matter the situation?
You’re kidding yourself if you think instant replay will result in a 30 second pause in action. Even if it is irrefutable and unable to be over ruled. Managers will still argue it will still take a while.
I don’t think so. How can a manager argue something that an umpire reviewed with replay? If a manager wants to look like a complete fool, he may argue.
Adding instant replay to the game of baseball would be like adding an official grammar and spell checker to the blog and there are more improper uses on this blog than there are missed calls in the majors.
Actually it’s not like that. And shouldn’t the goal be zero missed calls not getting it right most of the time?
Here’s Rob Neyer’s take and I think he puts it perfectly:
Is this a good thing? Well, let me ask you this … Today, when a player hits a long fly ball that might or might not have been a home run, everybody in the world knows exactly what happened … except the four guys on the field who are supposed to know exactly what happened.
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
nolie:
In his last start, Chuck was up early and hits were falling all over the yard. Anderson ran down three blasts that should have been doubles. But the pitch that cost him the game was a knee-high pitch on the outside corner, a good pitch.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Im also afraid once he is gone, we might miss him, but then again, this organization is soooooo deep in talent and not only in players but in coaches also, that im sure once he is gone braves will find a very good replacement for him.
Are the Braves deep in coaches, Overlord? If anything, the most common complaint about Cox the last 3 years is that he hasn’t been surrounding himself with the best coaches like he used to. I really don’t see Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine or Chipper ever being a coach or manager. They’ve made too much money and great players rarely make great managers. Pendleton has not shown me much of anything. I like Hubbard for reasons I am not sure of.
And is the organization soooooooo deep in talent without bobby? the organization was so deep in talent early on because he drafted and developed most of the key players that comprised the core of the 90s. hell, three of the core guys he spotted, traded for, drafted or developed back then (Chipper, Smoltz and Glavine) are still major contributors to the braves 19 to 22 seasons after the fact. the braves have rarely rushed a kid who wasn’t ready and have rarely been left holding the bag on a kid who wasn’t gonna be good enough because cox has always kept in touch with the minors. cox is a big factor in helping the front office decide who is ready, who isn’t, who will never be, who needs to be called up, who needs more seasoning and who needs to be hyped up for the sole purpose of snookering some unsuspecting team of trading for the player. also, the braves have rarely found themselves stuck with an overpaid, over the hill player because cox knows when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em by trading them or by not signing them back.
cox can make some baffling strategical decisions in games and during the season (like all managers) and he can be maddeningly stubborn and loyal to a fault during seasons to his players but, during the offseason, he has always proven that his loyalty lies first and foremost to the braves and not to any individual player through coldblooded talent evaluation decisions and moves he encourages the front office to make on his players.
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
love is the companion
of misery
without 1
no need for the other
i like the feelings of zen
the opposite of sin
so if you worry about love
and how it endz
just remember how bliss
iz the zen in the end
for now we can be happy
yet still feel so crappy
cause yes even though
love must end
we who are good
all still win
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Depth of players on and managers off the field are Braves strong-points.
And Don Baylor comes immediately to mind as an example of a great player who made a good hitting coach. I surely would have preferred his approach to hitting instruction since 1999. I feel the Braves would have had a chance at another WC or two in the early 2000’s if he had stayed.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, Bobby hasn’t surrounded himself with the best coaches?
Since Roger McDowell took over in 2006, the Braves are fourth in the NL in fewest runs allowed over that span.
Since Pendleton took over as hitting coach in 2002 they are second in the NL in runs scored over that span.
I’m not going to pretend Pendleton and McDowell should get all the credit. But I’m not sure why you have any complaints about the Braves’ current coaching staff.
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
look out a muse on the loose
By Random
May 23, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Soldiers and civilians working for the military in Afghanistan are no longer prohibited from having sex — technically, at least. But it’s not like military commanders are encouraging the practice.
Stars and Stripes reports that Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-101, lifted a ban on “intimate behavior” between men and women not married to each other. But such behavior is still “highly discouraged,” and even the new rules render it pretty difficult to find opportunities for intimacy. Single men and women can visit each other’s living quarters, but can’t go “behind closed doors, partitions or other isolated or segregated areas.”
According to Helixon’s staff, 28 soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade have been punished for having sex in Afghanistan or for violating the no-entry rule in the past year.
But I guess third base is okay.
By Random
May 23, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
**ncgary —
Censor you?
I say thee “Nay” — indeed, I endorse your position!
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Will the Mets become the 1990’s Mariners—a few outstanding players surrounded by little else and unable to win anything?
Minaya did some great things (signing Beltran and Billy Wagner, trading for Oliver Perez and John Maine) but he’s made a few head-scratching moves (giving huge contracts to Pedro and Carlos Delgado). And when a team has the Mets’ resources and the core talent Minaya and Randolph inherited, there is no excuse.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Nollie, I agree with your 7:59. It’s probably highly unlikely Chuck could ever change his mechanics enough. But I’d settle for him getting back to the mechanics he had before he got hurt last August and go back to being the pitcher he was from August 9, 2006 until July 25, 2007. That was good enough for a back end guy. Chuck went 15-9 with a 3.29 ERA in 186 innings over 32 starts during that stretch before he tore his rotator cuff. But, thankfully, Chuck is a moot point for the rest of this season.
I’m not sure if I would get Maddux although I think this team might need a Maddux type to make the postseason. The pitching has been successful thus far but will they continue to be so fortunate the rest of the year with the likes of Campillo at the back end of the rotation? I dunno. With Maddux, you would know.
The problem is that I think this is a World Series team and Maddux won’t win the Braves the World Series. To me, they are one frontline, top of the rotation, power pitcher away from being able to win the whole thing. They will need that pitcher to beat the Red Sox. Nibblers like Glavine and Maddux will have a tough time with patient hitters like the Bosox. You need a Smoltz type to be aggressive and attack the incredibly patient Bosox hitters. I don’t know if there will be one available
The interesting thing with Smoltz will be what happens if they make the postseason or are in a late season pennant race? I could see him relieve the rest of the season and then once late September or October comes around, thinking it is maybe his last chance because of how much pain he is in, jumping back into the rotation without a care in the world how much pain he is in, pretending he can grit his teeth and tolerate it enough for a month or so (especially if the Braves don’t trade for a big time front of the rotation guy later on).
Sounds crazy and illogical but we’re talking about Smoltz. Dude is a psycho. I’ve never been a big Smoltz fan for whatever reason but I think that guy would not give a second thought to blowing his arm apart to the point of amputation if it meant winning one more world series. He almost did it to himself in 1999. He’s just about the only pitcher these days that I could ever say that about.
By 22oz
May 23, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Went to the game last night, wow. What a game, so much fun. That was a loss in April, most definitely. It was a random date we picked back in February for the 9 game plan, but it worked out pretty good i’d say!
By CMC
May 23, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
DOB,
If I told you before this series with the Mets that #57 would turn in the most impressive starting pitching performance, I would bet you would have agreed with me about Santana. Who would have dreamed that the other #57 - Campillo - would turn in the gem of the series. Wow, what a performance by the home team. Since you have covered the Braves, have you ever seen them perform so well in a single series in terms of pitching, timely hitting, defense and overall fundamentals? Maybe the equipment manager can hang their home jerseys in the lockers on the next road trip, as suggested on the radio yesterday.
By Jeff R
May 23, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, interesting take on Smoltz. He is competitive enough to do just what you say: relieve, regular season; switch back to the rotation, post-season. Plus, I get the sneaking suspicion that this is Smoltz’s last season. I don’t think he’s one of those players who wants to see his career sputter out or ruined by a season-ending arm injury. So he may go for all the gold this year.
Otherwise, what is management going to do to replace Smoltz in the rotation? I don’t think jerry-rigging the rotation works for the balance.
By Efrim
May 23, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
So……
Can Kelly please get a start tonight against Doug Davis?
I think he has earned it.
Randy Johnson on Saturday????
Not so much.
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
when i suggested maddux to begin with , i was hoping to include him as a throw in with peavey for a bevy of young braves, maddux used in the pen in october or with a combination type starter where he glavine and smoltz throwed 3 innings every third game would sure make a heckuva climax to their historic careers,
not suggesting that mlb likes to script out scenarios , but that would be a good one if they did , and maybe wren could talk them into helping get waivers cleared on the unfortunate baby brave who would have to wait another year to begin their quest
now sure my suggestions are now probably moot depending on how serious peavey injury is and how desperate the pads are for a new direction, and the fact that this probably in no way fits inside budget constraints ,
but an october, 3 game staff of healthy peavey, healthy hudson and three innings a piece from maddux smoltz and glavine would probably be as dominant as any october staff, then throw a healthy well rested throughout the year jjj , well i think you all see the possibilities
anyway its fun to dream when you are on top , but right now the chemistry is good, so as the old axiom says dont fix it , if it aint broke,
sorry for the long posts 4 all the add victims
By Saltywoody
May 23, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
N8
Didn’t see your post until this morning, but that was a pretty good collection of pitchers w/ $100+ million contracts. And certainly proves your point.
I wouldn’t say any of those guys is or was lights out (at least as much so as they were before) after getting the big payday.
Crazy.
Think it applies to hitters, too? Because, if so, we should probably let Tex walk.
By Jersey Gil
May 23, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Great Game last night, that double play that Huddy start with Infante was great, I was watching the TV feed of the mutt and i hate those guys, Keith & company. i have to mute my TV and turn my XM radio to listen to Pete & Lenke (replacing Skid)great to listen Pete he is the best. Phillisgirl where you heard about the Phillis get it Maddux, i listen mush of the Phillis sport station yesterday and nowhere mention that posible deal. Honey this is you?????hope not. Well, last night Pete mention that Bobby talk to Freddy every night after the game, Bobby better stop giving freddy advised because the Fish are next.
By Random
May 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
brent a. —
Pistons 103, Celtics 97
Like you’ve been saying — now it gets interesting.
;-)
McFann —
Are you as much into the NBA playoffs as is your namesake?
I know the Heap’s really psyched — showing off his bounce pass on that SB by Beltran. It was picture perfect — textbook, in fact.
“The bounce pass is a very effective and fundamental type of passing technique. This pass is when the player passes the ball to a teammate by bouncing the ball off the turf with a large amount of energy. A successful bounce pass can easily result in an assist because a bounce pass is harder for defenders to intercept.” (Wikipedia)
;->
By Jersey Gil
May 23, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
With the approval of DOB, i like to take the oppurtunity to let you guys know that with the Memorial Day Weekend take a minute or two and remember all ours Fallen Heroes…
Thanks
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I used to be a very loud critic of McDowell but I have been very surprised and pleased with what he has done the last two years and especially this season. What I see from McDowell is alot of growth and development as he influences an organizational and philosophical change in the style of pitchers. As he has become more familiar with his pitchers and as he has surrounded himself with his kind of pitchers, the results keep getting better and better.
I’m sorry but I don’t see that with Terry. Chipper and McCann rely on their fathers as their hitting coaches - thus why they are the Braves’ hitters who seem to make the most improvements and adjustments. Escobar has hit from day one. Andruw Jones had to rely upon advice from Willie Mays to widen his stance in 2005. I just don’t see any dramatic changes or improvements with the rest of the Braves’ hitters during Terry’s tenure as hitting coach. I also see a lack of fundamentals from too many of the hitters that never seems to be addressed and that, yes, proves costly in one run games.
I don’t think you measure hitting and pitching coaches by stats. You do it more by how you see them helping players improve. I see it with McDowell and don’t see it with Terry. The success of the Braves hitters seems to lie mostly with the fact that they have talented hitters. McDowell seems to be making more out of of less while Terry seems to be making less out of more.
As for the rest of the coaches, I dunno. But do you really think Chino is on a level with Jimy Williams, Ned Yost, or Pat Corrales?
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
as a fellow veteran, i concur jersey gil
By Cecil34
May 23, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
115 to go…
64 wins to go for the division…
They are on a roll - the mojo is working.
Jurrjens and Campillo are looking like the real deal and that my friends is going to be a big part of the solution to the starting rotation.
Couple that with a emerging bullpen with Smoltz leading the way and we might start to dominate.
If Jeff hits consistently like Wed. night, you will see this team pick it up across the board. He was the real missing piece in the hitting puzzle, because we all deep down knew Tex would hit.
And KJ likes 7th….What a difference two weeks makes since that Pittsburgh debacle.
I am excited about what the next rwo weeks brings.
The road is going to be where the “rubber meets the road” so to speak.
But the good news is it should be warmer up north!
By richbrave
May 23, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Sign Tex or not sign Tex.?? That is the question. Well if he’s gone who’s #4.?? You’ve absolutely got to have a masher behind Chip at #3. This team has the solid hitter behind the #4 hole - that’s McCann at #5, and Diaz, Johnson at #6 and #7. Francouer should currently be batting #8 until he gets his swing straightened out. The only candidate I can see that’s currently on the team is McCann in the #4 if Tex is gone. Diaz at #5.?? OR KJ. NO!! I would think another comparable to Tex would be necessary from outside the Braves organization. Those ain’t easy to find. O.K. Liberty. Get ready for a bidding war after his contract’s up.
By monty
May 23, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
ncscoots
I saw where you commented about my Hudson remark, “that he was a very mechanical pitcher,” in that his mechanics -arm angles- get a little off for him in his delivery at times. I was not dissing Hudson, I happen to enjoy watching him pitch. You said “every pitcher has a bad game”. While this is true, just as Chipper sometimes goes 0-4. The comments I made were taken from Huddy’s own words. I have heard him on more than one occassion talking about looking at “the film” of a poor start and examining his “arm angles.” My statement was that when Tim is in good shape with his mechanics that he is an awesome pitcher, but when his mechanics are off for that day for whatever reason, he becomes mediocre.His pitches sail high on him and he becomes very vulnerable. Some pitchers are not so dependent on their arm angles. Tim made a couple of mistakes last night and they were hammered, but obviously his arm angles were spot on for the entire game. Tim has had I believe three starts this year where he didn’t just make a mistake or two and lose the game, but something, probably his mechanics, were just not clicking.When a groundall pitcher is getting one fly ball after another it goes a little deeper than just not having your best stuff.
By ncscoots
May 23, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
The Padres may look to unload salaries and rebuild, true. But you don’t rebuild by trading young stud pitching under long-term club control…just the opposite. Expecting that club to trade Peavey or Young is, I’m sorry, absurd.
By Jersey Gil
May 23, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
This What the Daily News Adam Rubin say today:
“Thursday night’s 4-2 loss to the Braves, which capped a four-game sweep that dropped the Mets below .500 for the first time since April 9, only further imperiled Randolph. Fred Wilpon, the team’s principal owner, and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon will handle the decision about whether to change skippers - not GM Omar Minaya, according to sources.”
By 22oz
May 23, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
I agree Ephrim, Kelly goes 3-3 against Santana, surely Bobby was paying attention.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Terry seems to be making less out of more.
Braveheart, again, since Pendleton took over as hitting coach in 2002 they are second in the NL in runs scored over that span.
How much more could he get out of those hitters? They are only 66 runs behind a team that plays half their games in an extreme hitters park, during Pendleton’s span as hitting coach.
You say record in one-run games is evidence Pendleton isn’t doing a good enough job teaching fundamentals. Well, in 2002 and 2004 they were among the best teams in baseball in one-run games. In 2005 they were very solid in one-run games. If he’s so bad at fundamentals, and it shows up in one-run games, why is there no pattern?
By Jersey Gil
May 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
I Think with the Padres Young & Catcher in the DL, we can make a trade for Maddux right now.Trade Corky Miller for Maddux.
By BossLady
May 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
If you ever watch any of Series In My Own Words, the players speak of times coming up in the minors when all they had were each other. No one had any money, struggling to get hits, struggling to get playing time and sharing meals and change. It was not easy in those days.
Now, they have all scattered to different teams, but, those old days are not forgotten.
I like to see players from different teams laughing and chatting it up. That’s professionalism and they realize that to win is their job but have friendships is another thing.
It is big of Chipper to giggle and laugh with Delgado and not hate, afterall he has got it going on and Delgado does not. Those two probably came up during the same era and no on had any idea they would be so successful.
By Salty
May 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
WW But do you really think Chino is on a level with Jimy Williams, Ned Yost, or Pat Corrales?
As in, will he ever be a manager? Nope!
By McFann
May 23, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
FJR—
Quote from Mets blog is not so funny—except that it is true (all except the “morbidly obese” part. “Morbid”? Good land…)
Random—
Har har. He’s bounced two throws in a row now.
Nah, not such a big fan of NBA. ; >
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Huddy’s stare-down after brush back
In my opinion that was a huge at-bat. Not only did he ultimately get the bunt down but he showed Santana and the Mets that we aren’t scared of them. Might not seem like much but I think his teammates see that and feed off of it. Hope to see more attitude like that in the future.
By Efrim
May 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson is hitting 327 with a 751 OPS against lefties. Let’s hope BC doesn’t consider a straight platoon any longer.
By Thrillhouse44
May 23, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
since Pendleton took over as hitting coach in 2002 they are second in the NL in runs scored over that span. Shaun
How does their batting average compare to other teams during that span?
By Johnny G
May 23, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Now this is what I was imagining happening when the season started. It looks like our boys are having fun out there. Playing hard and picking each other up.
I am a little disgusted about how the Mets treated the game this weekend. Looks like they didn’t care until game 4. Trying to injure our stars (Esco, Chip, Huddy) what a disgrace to the game.
BTW, does anyone have a clip of that pitch to Hudson? I didn’t see replays, but would really like to see how close it was. Huddy is such a fiery guy. Personally, I think the way that he, Kotsay, and Chipper go out and play set a great example for the rest of the team.
The Braves are America’s team and I’m glad they’re finally playing like it.
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
last time i checked san dog didnt have a very good track record with management decisions, just saying, that a lineup that is filled with hitters who could probably be surpassed by baby braves with no position to advance to, if james minor league numbers go up and a carlyle and a ball highly touted pitching prospect are dangled along with 3 position prospects are thrown in with 1 more of the relievers, peavey if healthy might be pried away
is he worth all that? depends do you like filet mignon or sirloin
By Random
May 23, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
ncgary: “an october, 3 game staff of healthy peavey, healthy hudson and three innings a piece from maddux smoltz and glavine would probably be as dominant as any october staff”
Provided that Glavine didn’t start, given his infamous history (apparently ongoing) of rough first innings.
Braveheart: “But, thankfully, Chuck is a moot point for the rest of this season.”
How so? And why “thankfully”???
“I really don’t see Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine or Chipper ever being a coach or manager. They’ve made too much money and great players rarely make great managers.”
Gotta disagree on Maddux (totally) and Chipper (mildly).
I think Maddux will definitely become a pitching coach (he pretty much already has) like his brother, and perhaps, eventually, a manager.
And I think Chipper would make a good manager (and perhaps hitting coach if he could successfully communicate his phenomenal hitting knowledge) if he’s able to ameliorate his native smart-a*******edness.
I think Smoltz (golf) and Glavine (family) will have better things to do than to remain in baseball.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 23, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
With apologies to the DBT and our resident song re-writer, 18 Wheels of Love…
“You and Your New York Mets” (dedicated to Willie Randolph; lyrics to the tune of the Drive-By Truckers’ “You and Your Crystal Meth”)
You’ve become such a mess.
You and your New York Mets.
You lost the series, Church didn’t duck
Fans once loved you but now you suck
Preseason rankings: “among the best”?!?!?
You and your New York Mets.
You ain’t exactly a .500 team,
Don’t dig the way your pitchers bean.
Hope Santana leaves his pitches up.
Hope Latinos ain’t there when Wagner blows up.
Hope the Rockies take your pitchers deep,
Comin’ off a 4-game sweep
You ain’t winnin’, you won’t be kept;
You and your New York Mets.
Dodgers, Nationals and the Braves,
Lookin’ like an ugly May.
Double plays, guys feelin’ sore,
Base-running blunders — you say “no more!”
You’ve got Wilpon seein’ red,
You and your New York Mets.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
do you really think Chino is on a level with Jimy Williams, Ned Yost, or Pat Corrales?
Braveheart, I have no idea. I’m guessing not many folks outside of the Braves clubhouse or organization know if Chino is on the level of those other guys as a bench coach. I’ve never heard any complaints about him.
By Efrim
May 23, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Are you posting on Neyer’s blog?
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 23, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Daybed
No offense at all. That was awesome. Great stuff. Funny how the DBT’s and Braves baseball mix so easily. Hood songs are harder to convert than Cooley’s. It’s a Southern Thing…great start to the weekend.
By Shamus Thacker
May 23, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
DOB, I read about Smoltzie changing his delivery. I was referring to Hammy’s inability to pitch if one hair on his worthless noggin is outa place. Might change his delivery, cause another injury, they say. With that mentality, Hammy ain’t EVER gonna pitch. If every major league pitcher proceeded with Hammy’s caution, we’d NEVER see another game. They ALL hurt to varying degrees, before, during, and after each start. Hamms is a wuss…
By eric the elder
May 23, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Interesting post on the Mets blog:
Wright sux…Trade him…Trade Reyes…Trade Beltran…Trade Santana…Trade Maine…Trade Perez…Trade ‘em all!! Start over!! Get the payroll down to $30mm…They’ll be in last place, but at least we would expect that!
The Braves are only a losing streak away from our seeing such posts on our own blog.
By timmy
May 23, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Just read on MLB Trade Rumors.com that Harden is available. Isnt that the potential front line starter we’ve been talking about acquiring? Who do you think we’d have to give up to acquire him? They are saying Beane is going to want a couple of prospects and at least one good prospect for him. That may have to include Jo Jo, Gorkys….I don’t know.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
How does their batting average compare to other teams during that span?
Thrillhouse44, I honestly don’t know. I’d imagine it compares pretty favorably since they’ve finished in the top 6 every year except 2002.
But I think it’s rather silly to judge offense by batting average when scoring runs is the name of the game.
By DAP
May 23, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
im pumped about the sweep, it got me thinking about the post season, and some earlier comment about smoltz made me wonder…can we win the post season without smoltz starting?
i dont think we can.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 23, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil — what about Brayan Pena for Maddux instead? If that’s not enough, they could try including Resop. He’ll probably be the first pitcher to go once the first out of Soriano/Gonzalez/Smoltz returns to the bullpen anyway, so it’d be nice to get something out of him rather than just lose him to waivers. Then again, the Padres may want a starting pitcher instead of a reliever. (Chuck James?)
I would think that the Braves would prefer to keep Miller and have at least one catcher on the roster who can throw out attempted stealers. (Sorry McFann!)
By Efrim
May 23, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Timmy
Harden is too injury prone. Say we give up Gorkys and then Harden goes down, similar to how Dotel went down. I say stay away unless he starts every single game until the deadline.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 23, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Eric the elder, unfortunately you are right.
Timmy, I would like to have Harden but because of his proneness to injury I just don’t know if he would be worth giving up anything of consequence.
By TexasBrave
May 23, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I know there is a lot of season left but it is a situation I know we will be faced with especially if Kotsay keeps contributing like he is. Do we let him go with Schafer waiting in the wings? I just can’t imagine letting go someone who is doing so much for the team, unless of course the price of resigning him is too high.
In my mind our left field situation is not the best and although I still have a lot of respect for Diaz and like the kid Blanco, I believe our situation would improve by having both Kotsay and Schafer. One of the two could move over and play left field.
By Efrim
May 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Braves just have to go 4-3 in their next 7 games(54 games in, a third through the season) to be on pace to win 90 games.
By jbutler
May 23, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Have to give a shout out to whoever brought up the Psych. Furs a few days ago here on the ‘ol blog. Since then..I have heard them more than ANYONE should have to!!! I am jinxed….and I was turning the station to avoid hearing the New Kids new single. Truly. I need to get satellite.
I would be shocked if Maddux returned to the Braves. He seems more willing than I would’ve imagined to rent himself out (i.e. Dodgers…) but almost seems too hokey (ala Avalanche)
By northbeach Scott
May 23, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
BossLady You are so right about Chipper and the other vets being friendly with the other teams. Fans should remember that rivalries have more to do with the fan-base than the players. Players know that there is no loyalty to them from ownership, so no reason to shun other team’s players. As you also indicated, the players are like soldiers, sharing a bond stronger than the teams on which they play.
Remember that these guys have played with and/or against each other since they were kids, high school, minors/college. Rare is a Chipper or Smoltz that have spent most of their careers in one organization (well a couple of minor league seasons for Smoltz w/Tigers).
I am glad to see the comradery among players. Good to see them smile and be human.
What I have no patience for is silly fools like Jose Reyes giggling like a stupid school girl in the dugout while his team goes down like the Titanic. Same with the imbecile Andruw and his stupid smirk while wearing the Golden Sombrero (i.e. 4Ks 1 Game).
By Thrillhouse44
May 23, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
But I think it’s rather silly to judge offense by batting average when scoring runs is the name of the game. Shaun
I agree. But do you think it’s fair to judge a hitting coach solely on runs? It seems that hitting is only one factor contributing to runs.
By .
May 23, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44: “since Pendleton took over as hitting coach in 2002 they are second in the NL in runs scored over that span.” Shaun
How does their batting average compare to other teams during that span?
Oh gawd — don’t get him started on batting averages. Once he gets going, he sometimes forgets to bereathe.
By Jersey Gil
May 23, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Daybed I know Corky is better defense catcher, but Bryan is a swith hitter, and i was thinking bring up Sammons, he is hitting 300 in Richmond and he is better defense catcher that Pena.
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
May 23, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
DOB Doing a little research before the D-Backs series, I stumbled across this stat on Baseball-Reference.com
The Braves have teed off for 17 HRs in 11 games against Randy Johnson. 10 of those came in 6 games at Turner Field. Chipper Jones has hit more bombs off the Unit (6) than any player, active or inactive.
Did I read that correctly? 17 in 11 games? Wow!!
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, again, since Pendleton took over as hitting coach in 2002 they are second in the NL in runs scored over that span.
Again, Shaun, stats are not how you should measure the coaches. It’s about improvement in skills. Have you really seen hitters get better under Terry? Who? Maybe he should get credit for Laroche but who else? I see how Hubbard has made KJ and Giles adequate enough defensive second baseman after they were far from it when he started working with them. I see the pitchers improving under McDowell’s watch. I have not seen it with Terry
How much more could he get out of those hitters? They are only 66 runs behind a team that plays half their games in an extreme hitters park, during Pendleton’s span as hitting coach.
Again, he has been provided very good hitters. Which ones has he made better?
You say record in one-run games is evidence Pendleton isn’t doing a good enough job teaching fundamentals. Well, in 2002 and 2004 they were among the best teams in baseball in one-run games. In 2005 they were very solid in one-run games. If he’s so bad at fundamentals, and it shows up in one-run games, why is there no pattern?
Shaun, they are 39-73 in one run games over the last 2+ seasons since he has been working with the Baby Braves. I know you love the luck excuse but alot of us are seeing that it often comes down to a lack of timely execution of fundamental hitting. Bunts, oppo field hitting, hit and runs, getting a sac fly, drawing a walk, waiting for your pitch and inconsistent offensive performance continue to plague them
But they just beat the hell out of the Mets, so now is not the time for me to go into a rant about that.
By ContactBuzz
May 23, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Well done, Daybed.
Who’s going to rewrite the lyrics to Buttholeville (from Willie Randolph’s perspective)?
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 23, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
18 Wheels
Thanks! I’ve definitely got more of an appreciation for what you do on a consistent basis. I’m a relatively new fan to the DBTs but they’ve quickly become one of my favorites, and I think that they would love that their songs are being re-written on a Braves blog. I’ll look forward to your next edition!
By Thrillhouse44
May 23, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Sorry “.”. I thought about that after I posted. I hope I didn’t start an all day topic here. I was really just curious and I think it’s awful simplistic to judge a hitting coach only on runs.
But i should have known better.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Braveheart: “But, thankfully, Chuck is a moot point for the rest of this season.” How so? And why “thankfully”???
Random Thankfully, because Chuck is stinking the joint up right now. Others are pitching better right now and he is not needed, especially if he continues to struggle as he has. And, frankly, I’m tired of talking about Chuck and defending him. Everyone else is tired of me doing so as well.
By Jersey Gil
May 23, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
In the Maddux Trade..i don’t give more than one player for him…He problaly pitch one more year, but for the fun to have the three HOF for the last time with the Braves uniform , it be great it that happen.
By McFann
May 23, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Daybed—
Yeah, I know it. Don’t have to apologize. (But don’t let that stop you.) Make sure you’re sitting down when you read the percentage number of runners caught-stealing by BMac:
14%
That’s if you take away the two dudes that pitchers have “picked off” while he’s catching. So we’ll just add those, and the number will look better:
18%
OK, not a whole lot better, but whatever…
Hey! He still doesn’t have any errors though!
By northbeach Scott
May 23, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Gotta go with Shaun on the lack of relevance on batting averages and RBI to wins per se. It is about producing runs and preventing runs.
That is why OBP and Slugging and OBS are more germaine measures of success of individual players and of teams. Batting averages and RBI are nice, but too simplistic. Especially RBI, as they counting stats that are contextual in nature (i.e. anybody that hits in the 4 hole and plays 150+ games is virtually guaranteed 65-70 RBI, just because they are in the hole and play a lot).
Makes me cringe when someone cries how can we replace Andruw’s 96 RBI? I would argue we need only replace 25-30 RBI and that he should have had a lot more considering how many times he had plate appearances with runners on and he failed.
Do not get me wrong love having Chipper, Escobar, Z-Man, KJ, Frenchy and others have nice BA and RBI. Feels good. Just need to keep perspective on what really matters. That is why I am always a bit cautious in praising Frenchy. IMHO.
By DAP
May 23, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
just read on MLB trade rumors about chris duncan…didnt know he played 1st base. the site said he could be on the block…would he be a good replacment for tex next season? hes a big, scary lefthander, looks like adam dunn at the plate, and he has decent offensive numbers. hes entering his prime at 27, right shaun? he wouldnt be the anser to bat cleanup, but what do yall think?
and for the sake of discussion…how much would brain giles help us out in left field? should he be a guy we consider to make us stronger? good power, good OBP guy…
By Pete H.
May 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
It seems so quiet around here without our friends from the Mutts Fan Club. In the words of Elmer Fudd:
Awww, west and wewaxation!
I was just looking at Rotoworld. Man, the Padres sent half their team to the minors. If we really wanted him, we could get Mad Dog for one decent bullpen arm. That would be one more than the Padres have now.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Payne: but he’s made a few head-scratching moves (giving huge contracts to Pedro and Carlos Delgado)
I saw Braveheart lit into a more in depth run through of the Mets GM either earlier on this blog or on the last blog. But as for your version… Minaya didn’t sign Delgado. Delgado was signed by the Marlins and traded to the Mets.
By KC
May 23, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
It’s a lot to hope for, I know, but…
What if we could get Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, and Hampton ALL healthy next month??!!
Can you imagine? What a boost THAT would be an already solid pitching staff!!!!!
A rotation of Hudson, Jurrjens, Glavine, Hampton, Campillo/Reyes/Bennett
And a bullpen of Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, Acosta, Boyer, Ohman, and Ring/Bennett
Wow.
Again, it’s a LOT to hope for, but you never know.
By timmy
May 23, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Efrim and Robert(CITB)
I agree we should wait to see how he performs in the next 8 starts. I was curious to see what type of player package we would have to offer to be in the running for his services. As far as everyone talking about Maddux, I am thinking of a Pena, Diory Hernandez and a pitcher
By Im
May 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, what is the opinion of terence moore among writers? Everyone I know from atlanta hates the man, myself included (mostly because he is a terrible writer yet somehow manages to keep his job). Just wondering if the ajc staff felt the same way.
By AGTFan
May 23, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
AmazinsAgain08
Good for you my friend. I may not pull for your team ever, but you are a true fan. You came on here last night and took it like a man. There are probably Braves fans on this blog that could take lessons from you on how to be a fan of a team.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
And shouldn’t the goal be zero missed calls not getting it right most of the time?
Payne: Just saw this. Put in instant replay. It will take 1 week of use before you realize that not even instant replay is going to offer 100% correct calls. At the same time you’ll realize that it didn’t speed up the game. And give it a little longer and you’ll find that teams will begin to call on it for infield plays more often than outfield plays.
Tell me something… when you watch the game, I don’t know how often you watch but I’m assuming you watch Braves as well as other games … perhaps I’m wrong in that assumption, but when you do watch, how often does a manager come out to argue with an ump? And from there is the argument because of the outfield plays? How many times has Cox run out to the ump and yelled in his face for a play in the outfield? You know, the outfield calls that are so hard for umpires to get correct…
I would imagine, if the calls and judgments were actually tracked, that you would find the umpire success rate is higher on outfield plays than on infield plays even excluding ball/strike calls. Yet in all the lobbing for it the infield plays are being excluded from use in instant replay. Give the ump a crutch and he’ll use it and when you do give him that crutch you’ll find he moves slower on the field than before…
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 23, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I have cautious optimism when it comes to Soriano, Gonzo, and Smoltz but if just two of those three guys can come back at no less than 85% and get the job done the Braves will have the best bullpen in baseball by far. Also, when considering Tex is just now looking to become hot, Frenchy is due for a hot streak, Kelly is on fire and Escobar is just Escobar the rest of this season looks awfully good for the Braves.
That being said I think the Braves will make a move for either a starter or another bat for LF. Holliday will cost too much and I’m afraid Griffey Jr. will too. Xavier Nady could be a real possibility if the Pirates are out of it by the break. Brian Giles will be avialable likely but he makes way too much money for his what he can actually contribute. I still like the idea of Randy Winn. If the Giants offer Dave Roberts, the Braves should emphatically say no even if the Giants pay all of his salary. Raul Ibanez could be available if the Mariners are out of it. Also, I still like the idea of the Braves going after Juan Rivera or Reggie Willits from the Angles. The Angles could be interested in some pitching help.
If the Tigers don’t get into the race I could see Marcus Thames available but I don’t know about him. Also, keep this in mind. If the Yankees don’t get back into the race (which is entirely possible) Johnny Damon will be available. Damon is in the last year of his contract and will be owed roughly $6.5 mil after the all-star break. If the Braves only have to give up a marginal major leaguer or a decent prospect and the Yanks agree to eat a mil or two of Damon’s remaining contract then I think he would be an excellent pickup for left field. Damon is still a good player who has a high OBP. He could bat leadoff which would allow Escobar to drop back down to the 2 hole or he could even hit 8th and provide a little pop in the bottom of the lineup.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Roseanne Cash has her own blog about songwriting:
http://measureformeasure.blogs.nytimes.com/author/rcash/
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 23, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
What is with all the hating on Terrance Moore. The man writes a great piece on Chipper and he still gets no love. I guess his love of Chipper reinforces his “racist tendencies” and race bating, huh?
By DAP
May 23, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
thirllhouse I think it’s awful simplistic to judge a hitting coach only on runs.
there isnt much hard data we CAN use to judge hitting coaches. the truth is, terry could be more responsible for certain players hitting well than we think…even over short stretches. or he could be less responsible. we dont know, because we dont see what terry does, ever. we dont really know what he says to guys, how he works with guys, ect…all we can really look at is over all results. the braves offense has been good since weve had terry, and thats all we realy know.
what you may be saying is that the offense has been good DESPITE terry. there is no way of knowing that either. just think about this. does the braves organization have a track record of making bad choices for coaches? no they dont. lets give them the benifit of the doubt on guys they decide to hire.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
AGTfan, don’t give Amazins too much credit. His post last night had hints of cynicism to it.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Give the ump a crutch and he’ll use it and when you do give him that crutch you’ll find he moves slower on the field than before…
Well, damn, 10Paul, I wasted thousands of words blathering on yesterday failing to say what I was trying to say and you said it in a sentence. Ba$tard.
By eric the elder
May 23, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
KC, if Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzo were playing for other teams and Wren made deals to get them for free, we would be hailing him as the greatest GM in the history of baseball, and we would be shouting “World Series!”
Well, Wren hasn’t made any deals, so no credit to him, but apparently we are getting them soon. The question is, will we regard their return as ho-hum, or will we proclaim Christmas in summer?
I’m guessing somewhere in the middle - - glad to get them back, but not as excited as we would be if we had dealt for them.
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
I found it, uh, interesting (if that’s the right word) that discussion this morning would be centered around the performance of the hitting coach of a team that leads the league with a .286 batting average and ranks fourth with a .437 slugging percentage.
Great timing — the day after the Braves sweep the Mets in a four-game series, the day after the Braves get more hits against Santana than any team has EVER gotten against him.
The team leads the NL with a .298 average and a .377 OBP this month.
But I guess from the Braves’ perspective, it’s gotta be a hell of a good sign when that’s the biggest thing some bloggers have to complain about….
jbutler, you’re probably just acutely aware every time you hear a Furs song because the scotch-and-cigs voiced lead singer is Richard Butler….
By Random
May 23, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
jbutler: “[Maddux] seems more willing than I would’ve imagined to rent himself out (i.e. Dodgers…)”
Then how come he’s never played for the Yankees? Or the Mets?
You’re way off base here, and way outa line. Mad Dog’s no mercenary — he “return to his roots” with the Cubs after the Braves declined to re-sign him as a free agent in 2004. Then he was traded from the Cubs to the Dodgers in 2006. After that season, he signed with SD to remain near his Las Vegas home.
And if he does return to the Braves, it would be via another mid-season 2008 trade, not as a mercenary free agent.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 23, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Chris Duncan would be an interesting pickup, should the Braves look that way. He makes Diaz look like a GGer in the outfield, but he’s perfectly serviceable at first.
He’s put up fine career numbers (.870 OPS) though they’ve dropped a bit this year. You have to wonder if playing out of position is getting to him. He’ll never see any action at first so long as Pujols is healthy.
I’m not really sure how the Braves would get him during the season if they and the Cards are in the race at the deadline.
Unless the Cards’ pitching totally melts down and the Braves could offer a couple of arms from their (Yes!) deep pitching staff …
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, true. They just traded for a 34-year-old Delgado already making a lot of money.
Braveheart, I tend to judge coaches by results more than improvement. But which hitters have gotten significantly worse under Pendleton? None come to mind.
As far as one-run games, how do you explain that the Braves have the third-best record in baseball in two-run games since Opening Day 2006 if they aren’t fundamentally sound at the plate? Last night the Braves were rightfully praised for their fundamental hitting, but they won by two runs. How do you explain that they’ve scored the second-most runs in the NL since Opening day 2006 without fundamentally sound hitting? How do you explain that the Braves have the sixth-most blowout wins in the majors since Opending Day 2006 if they aren’t fundamentally sound hitters?
By bayou brave
May 23, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
This is kinda sorta fairly funny on the subject of Braves batting stances
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq_e2Q2HxXg
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: Ha! You know what comes to mind when I hear the instant replay talk? … Seinfeld’s The Maestro
Setting: Ross’ clothing store. Guard is standing near entrance. George enters.
GEORGE: (To guard) Tired?
GUARD: No.
GEORGE: How come uh, no chair?
GUARD: What?
GEORGE: I, I couldn’t help but notice that uh you don’t have a chair.
GUARD: I don’t need a chair.
GEORGE: No I didn’t mean to imply that you did. You’re obviously a very well proportioned individual. I was just wondering, have they ever offered you a chair?
GUARD: Nope.
GEORGE: Would you like a chair?
GUARD: I suppose if they gave me one I’d sit down.
GEORGE: Ah ha, Ah ha. You would, wouldn’t you?
GUARD: Obviously I’d rather sit than stand, if that’s what your asking.
GEORGE: That’s exactly my point.
GUARD: Well who wouldn’t?
GEORGE: Cause I tell you, frankly, I would like to walk in hear one day and find you sitting down. (Starts to walk out of the store) That would give me a lot of pleasure. Call me crazy.
By Cody
May 23, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Folks, for those saying the Braves don’t need another starter cause we have some in the minors and the cuurent staff is doing well. This will not work in October. The Braves are a great team and are a big starter short off having a WS team. JJJ is young and will fatigue by fall. Campillo is good but not proven. Glavine is old and will fatgue. I am not saying getting Maddux will make us champs but we need another postseason pitcher or it will be to old story with the same tune. A series and done. We need experience not youth. October stage was built for those seasoned. Although the Marlins defid this argument but every now and then a blind squirrl finds a nut. We need another top notch starter and maybe a better LF. If we can get a good hitting corner outfielder this team would be a monster.
By FloridaBrave
May 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave,
Totally agree. I’d love to re-sign Kotsay for 2 years $14 million but shift him over to LF to make room for Schafer, assuming he gets back on track after his suspension. Schafer’s defense is CF is apparently fantastic and moving Kotsay to a corner OF spot might increase the likelihood that he stays healthy. Re-signing Kotsay should be a top priority.
*Robert(CITB),
Great minds think alike. I’ve been mentioning Xavier Nady and Juan Rivera as guys the Braves should look at. I don’t see the Braves going after a big guy like Holliday but versatile, RH bats who can crush lefties. Both guys fit that bill.
RE: Harden,
I love his talent and assuming he stays healthy up until the trade deadline, I hope the Braves take a hard look. But now I don’t like the idea of using Kelly Johnson in a deal as I’d feel we’d be giving up too much.
RE: Maddux,
I see no need for Maddux AT THIS POINT with the emergence of Campillo and Reyes. We should not make a trade just to make a trade as we should wait until it’s absolutely necessary. If hitters figure out Campillo or Reyes proves inconsistent again, then by all means we should explore this option. But until this happens we’d just be wastefully trading for a piece we don’t need.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Shaun, good point about TP. Nobody has becoome a worse hitter under TP. Well, except for one. This guy named Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnndruw! But that was not TP’s fault. That was because of Andruw’s stubborness and Cox’s coddling of him.
By KC
May 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Eric the Elder: Well we have to give Wren a helluva lot of credit for the deal he DID make over the winter, getting Jair Jurrjens and a great CF prospect.
Not sure where we would be without Jurrjens.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 23, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Just checked Baseball Reference, and Kelly’s 2008 OPS is almost identical to Duncan’s career numbers. So again, if the Braves can’t sign Tex or don’t want to invest big bucks in a replacement, KJ might be a nice option at first.
(Shaking his head wondering why he’s wasting any effort even thinking about 2009 during this terrific streak by the 2008 team.)
By Pete H.
May 23, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
DOB: I was sorta giggling at the Pendleton comments too. Not to mention questioning a bench coach. What next, the bullpen catcher?
TP has done a great job as hitting coach and I would guess he’s in line for manager if and when Bobby actually retires.
There are people in this world whose only joy is misery.
It’s encouraging that we’re catching the Dbacks when they’re ice-cold. They were a juggernaut until very recently. Plus, we miss Haren.
Let’s hope JoJo can turn in a start like his last one. Without the error.
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
In answer to question about Big Unit, yes, Braves have 17 homers in 11 games against Randy Johnson. But all those homers were before 2004. Different Braves, for the most part.
Johnson’s last two starts against them: Perfect game in 2004, and seven shutout innings (four hits) in 2006.
By DAP
May 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
bayou brave that you tube video was really funny…that guy was pretty good at that!!! i love the exagerrated fred mcgriff swing.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, well said! Not to mention what the team has done offensively over his entire tenure.
TennesseePaul, you missed the point. The point of using replay on homerun calls is not that it is possible to get every single call right 100 percent of the time. And the point is not to speed up the game.
The point is it would be wise to use replay on homerun calls because homeruns are big plays in games. At least one run obviously scores on every homerun. So using replay to make sure the call is right on questionable homeruns seems prudent. Plus homeruns usually take place far away from where umpires have to position themselves.
And about the time it takes, the point is to get the call right. I’m not too concerned about the time it would take unless it’s 5-10 minutes or something ridiculous like that. But for those who are, replay would not use up any more time than an umpire conference and/or an argument after a questionable homerun call.
The point of replay is to get as many calls right as possible (especially on big plays such as homeruns) without taking too much time out of the game.
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
And yes, Chipper is 12-for-30 with six homers off RJ.
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Name one hitter who’s gotten better under T.P.? OK. How ‘bout Brian McCann? Far better hitter since he got to the majors than he ever was in the minor leagues. Or is that just coincidence?
Mac’s had his dad as a hitting instructor his whole life, and had minor league instructors to help during his years in the bushes. So what’s different since he got to the majors, other than Pendleton?
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
you missed the point. The point of using replay on homerun calls is not that it is possible to get every single call right 100 percent of the time. And the point is not to speed up the game.
And shouldn’t the goal be zero missed calls not getting it right most of the time?
My point is I don’t see a good reason to not use replay. I mean, the umpires have a conference, which probably takes a minute or a minute and 30 seconds, then they argue with a manager, player or coach. By that time they could have looked at a 30 second replay and had the play settled within a minute or two at the most.
Sorry Payne, I don’t know how I missed that point…
By My Dixie Wrecked
May 23, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Re: “Name one hitter who’s gotten better under T.P.?”
It seems that you could also point to Mr. Jones’ ascension to perhaps the league’s premier hitter while TP was the hitting coach for Los Bravos. Not saying that Chipper couldn’t have done it on his own or that Hoss wasn’t already a great hitter, of course. Just that Chipper does seem to have improved.
By nolie
May 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Roseanne Cash has her own blog about songwriting:Braveheart
Cool, I like Roseanne, I will give it a look. Thanx
By BX
May 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Wow. I was impressed with Campillo’s outing the other day as was everyone else, but don’t you think it’s a little early to proclaim him the savior and answer for the rotation? Like, let him make a few more starts?
Not trying to be negative, and I hope he can fill that hole, but one good start shouldn’t cement a spot in the rotation.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, you seem to hint that one of the reasons you are against replay is because it will make umpires lazier. I’m just not as cynical. Can you imagine the criticism and ridicule an umpire would get if he used replay on an easy homerun call that any schmoe could have gotten correct? I just don’t think laziness is going to happen.
And as far as people calling for it to be used on other calls besides homeruns, there is an easy solution: Set up the rules so that it can only be used on questionable homerun calls.
By Salty
May 23, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, what is the opinion of terence moore among writers?
Why don’t you just ask DOB to slit his wrists as a pay-per-view package? LOL! Face it, what’s being asked, in public, “DOB, do you think TM is as big a douche as the rest of us believe?” I can’t see that being answered! LOL!
By McFann
May 23, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
DOB’s right. Pendleton can’t be that bad…
; )
People pick on coaches way too much.
I wish the Braves were going to face Haren in this series.
By Random
May 23, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
“I don’t think the trade fo MAddux would cost us any name we know”
“resop and pena should get maddux and all but a million of his salary”
“We won’t need to trade the farm in order to obtain Maddux, but if you think we will get Maddux in exchange for players like Thorman or Pena, you are kidding yourself.”
“Trade Corky Miller for Maddux.”
“what about Brayan Pena for Maddux instead? If that’s not enough, they could try including Resop.”
“In the Maddux Trade..i don’t give more than one player for him”
“As far as everyone talking about Maddux, I am thinking of a Pena, Diory Hernandez and a pitcher”
The most I would counsel the Braves to give up for Maddux in a deadline trade would be cash and a player to be named later, PROVIDED that the PTBNL is Maddux.
Make it a genuine rent-a-player situation.
(Except, I guess he’s in the final year of his contract, huh?)
Okay — cash considerations only.
By BX
May 23, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I wouldn’t limit instant replay to only home run calls. I think any play where an umpire is not in close vicinity to the play, should be open to review. For instance a home run or a catch in the outfield. No plays at the plate, etc as an umpire should be right there to make the call.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
And as far as people calling for it to be used on other calls besides homeruns, there is an easy solution: Set up the rules so that it can only be used on questionable homerun calls.
Good point Payne. This is working quite well right now as the rules are set up so that it can’t be used at all for any call. Yet here we are asking for the rules to be changed… but you’re right, once we get it in for only questionable home run calls no one will ever ask for the rule to be changed again…
Just out of curiosity how many botched calls do you think the ump is making in a season on home runs? What is the success rate threshold for HR calls at which point the ump is no longer adequate for the job and thus requires instant replays acknowledging that not even instant replay will offer 100% accuracy? 90%? 95%? 80%? What?
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, you’re still missing the point. It’s not that replay would speed up the game. It’s that using it wouldn’t likely slow down the game, as critics seem to think it would.
Yes, the goal is to get all the calls right. Not that that goal can ever be achieved but shouldn’t that be what umpires and MLB strives for? Just like it’s practically impossible to bat 1.000 with a 1.000 on-base percentage, that should still be what a player shoots for.
By Efrim
May 23, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
From the Jayson Stark Chat today:
Julio (Santo Domingo, DR): Hi Jayson, who do you see the Braves trading for, now that John Smoltz is going to the bullpen? It seems like they could use a guy like Oswalt, so they don´t have to worry much about the back end of the rotation.
Jayson Stark: (1:18 PM ET ) For now, I think they’re going to try Campillo in the rotation, after that great start the other night. But they’re looking already. So stay tuned. The starting-pitching market isn’t clearly defined yet. But if a Ben Sheets pops out there or some other difference-maker becomes available, I see the Braves being one of the most aggressive shoppers out there.
As long as the Braves don’t have to part with Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, Gorkys Hernandez, Tommy Hanson, or Cole Rohrbough, then sure.
Can a guy like Ben Sheets be acquired without having to give up one of those guys? Probably not.
Will Sheets get traded? I can’t imagine how he couldn’t be dealt. He isn’t going to resign and that team does not have enough pitching to stay in this race.
I would rather deal for a lesser talent so that we didn’t have to give up the farm.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
you seem to hint that one of the reasons you are against replay is because it will make umpires lazier
Nope. Not even implying “laziness” by an ump. For more detail see Braveheart’s discourse on the matter. He did a fine job listing out how the dead play vs live play would affect the ump…
By Jake. C
May 23, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Under TP, I’d like to see the starting pitchers become more consistent laying down bunts, but it’s much harder than it looks. Francouer will never take enough walks to live up to his hype, but you can’t blame TP for Frenchy’s own stupidity when it comes to pitch selection. It will be interesting to see who the replacement for Cox is between TP and Eddie Perez. Right now I prefer Perez since he is an ex-catcher and favorite of mine, but I have a feeling TP is in the lead right now. DOB, do you have any idea who is the frontrunner to take over for Cox when he sails off into the Hall of Fame?
By Pete H.
May 23, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
I’m not against replays, but I foresee mission creep. First it’s just for home runs, then it’s for trapped balls, then it’s every single play at second. Then balls and strikes.
I think a better solution is better umps.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Name one hitter who’s gotten better under T.P.? How ‘bout Brian McCann. Better hitter since he got to the majors than he ever was in the minor leagues. Or is that just coincidence?
Mac’s had his dad as a hitting instructor his whole life, and had minor league instructors to help during his years in the bushes. So what’s different since he got to the majors, other than Pendleton?
Alot of it has to do with McCann being a year or two younger than his competition in the minors and with how much thicker and stronger McCann is now as compared to (how gangly he was when he was drafted)[http://www.perfectgame.org/stories/060405predraft/]
Maybe Terry has helped him but we still read your Chipper like stories about McCann to this day working with his dad and in his dad’s cages. Didn’t seem that TP helped McCann fix what was going wrong for him last year.
McCann’s father, Howard, is a former Marshall University baseball coach who runs a hitting school in Gwinnett County. Another son, Brad, is a first baseman who played in the Kansas City organization last season. Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton said McCann is a conscientious pupil who doesn’t need prodding. If anything, he said McCann works too hard at times. “He knows how to hit,” Pendleton said. “His dad’s done well teaching him. My job is just to tweak it when he’s not going right, hopefully recognize something early when it needs to be corrected. If anything, sometimes he may do too much, going in [the batting cage] when he’s already fatigued. “You can work yourself into a deeper slump doing that. Sometimes you just need to relax and get away from it, not overwork.” McCann spent many hours in his dad’s batting cage over the winter. “I want to do the same thing every time I step to the plate, be consistent,” he said. “This offseason in the cage I got to where I felt like I did in ‘06, that comfort at the plate, feeling real good, and realizing I can cover every pitch.”
Maybe TP is just being humble and is doing more than tweaking but, unless TP is hanging out in the McCann’s cages all winter with BMAC, it sounds like McCann had to get back to his dad’s cages last winter to get back on track.
By AmazinsAgain08
May 23, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
AGTfan, don’t give Amazins too much credit. His post last night had hints of cynicism to it.RobertCITB
Boy you really hate Mets fans don’t you? Explain what was cynical about it, please. If I’m gonna pop in from time to time and razz youse guys then I figure that I have to show up and take my lumps when you outplay us, and I always do just like I rubbed it in a bit when we won a couple last series.. I wonder if you would be willing to do the same. There was nothing meant cynically about the post , but hey I guess whatever you say.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, see I’ve never said that replay would speed up the game. I’ve said that it wouldn’t slow down the game. There is a difference.
And I’ve never said that it was possible to get every single call right 100 percent of the time. I’ve said that should be the goal. There is a difference there, too.
By Thrillhouse44
May 23, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
what you may be saying is that the offense has been good DESPITE terry. dap
That’s not what I’m saying at all. I like TP. I just said runs scored was not a good way to look at it. I asked Shaun about the batting average under TP. As DOB pointed they lead the league with a .286 batting average this year. I was just saying that I thought more stats than runs should be used.
By OrlandoFan
May 23, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Pendleton might have helped KJ a bit, too. Kid’s a good hitter. What about Escobar? He has developed nicely, too. And, heck, he even had Ryan Langerhans and a few others getting big hits in teh past. Don’t judge him on how Frenchy has developed (which isn’t all bad, contrary to popular belief). The Braves have been scoring runs the last few years, you know.
By BossLady
May 23, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
The easiest thing to do is to go over to Terance’s blog and let him have it. There is no need to discuss an ajc employee with another
Like Old School folks would say, don’t beat around the bush, run up there and speak your peace.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
I’ve never said that replay would speed up the game. I’ve said that it wouldn’t slow down the game. There is a difference.
Payne: Forgive me, I misunderstood you when you posted that the current option of an Ump conference and Managerial yelling matches takes longer than the 30 seconds of viewing tape would… For some reason I took that line of reasoning as an implication that instant replay could speed up the game. I also mistakenly read many other pundits on the matter who used this same line of logic for increasing game speed. And also mistakenly included the recent verdict from Bud that the game rules will be enforced to speed up the game. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
And I’ve never said that it was possible to get every single call right 100 percent of the time. I’ve said that should be the goal. There is a difference there, too.
So are you saying that my point is the umps do not currently have this goal??
By Braves20
May 23, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
DOB - Excellent point earlier in the blog in regards to McCann. He has quietly become a very polished Major League hitter as compared to when he came up a couple years ago.
Last night’s game was one of those games you felt we would win even after Huddy’s brief meltdown. Virtually every out in the early going against Santana was well struck - just a matter of time until a few (or a dozen) fell in.
For what it’s worth the game should have ended 5-2 as Santana earlier in the game balked during a step-off with a runner on third. Our broadcast guys (and obviously the home plate umpire) missed it but Ron Darling on the Mets feed went “oh oh” and then just shut up when it wasn’t called. All’s well that ends well.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Just out of curiosity how many botched calls do you think the ump is making in a season on home runs? What is the success rate threshold for HR calls at which point the ump is no longer adequate for the job and thus requires instant replays acknowledging that not even instant replay will offer 100% accuracy? 90%? 95%? 80%? What?
One botched call of any kind is too many. If you can limit big ones (questionable homeruns), that are difficult for umpires to see, with instant replay that won’t waste too much time, why not?
By FloridaBrave
May 23, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
This is random but the kid we got in the Yates trade, Todd Redmond, is quietly having a good year in AA.
4-1 3.30 ERA 1.20 WHIP 44:11 K:BB ration in 60 innings pitched(10 starts)
Many thought he was just a nondescript prospect since we couldn’t possibly have gotten much for him but the Braves seemed to have put that reportedly great changeup to good use.
More good work by Atlanta’s scouting department.
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, speeding up the game should not be the objective of using replay on homerun calls. Let me make that clear. The objective should be to get questionable big plays that the umpires have a hard time seeing, namely homeruns, correct.
So are you saying that my point is the umps do not currently have this goal??
Of course the umps have this goal and I believe you think the umps have this goal. But replay on certain plays would help with this goal without taking away from other aspects of the game. I just don’t see many negatives.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 23, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Amazings, calm down, man. Are we a little on edge? I thought I read some cynicism into your post. If not, I apologize. Seriously, I’m sorry. Believe it or not I feel for you. It must suck to think your team is going to be great and then watch them just go through the motions. 2006 was like that for many Braves fans.
With all due respect, dude, you did show up here last night and take your medicine. Nobody else had the guts to do that.
I wish I could say I hope things get better for you but I would be lying. I should say for your team. The Mets decline is just as sweet for us Braves fans as ours was for you. Of course, I’m not writing off the Mets. We still have a long season left.
By Random
May 23, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
DOB: “Mac’s had his dad as a hitting instructor his whole life, and had minor league instructors to help during his years in the bushes. So what’s different since he got to the majors, other than Pendleton?”
Contacts? Lasix?? One or the other, right, McEff???
Cody: “The Braves are a great team and are a big starter short off having a WS team. JJJ is young and will fatigue by fall. Glavine is old and will fatigue.”
Are you looking for points for inconsistency?
By Bronx Brave
May 23, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Is anyone besides me a little nervous about making room for Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzalez in the bullpen? We couldn’t ask for more than we’ve gotten out of the bullpen in the last few weeks. It just makes me nervous that we’re going to be meesing with a good thing. Assuming all three come back by the end of May, which three get sent down? I guess Resop is an obvious candidate, then probably Ring, but who would be the third? Boyer has been amazing; I hope we aren’t thinking about sending down Acosta or Ohman; and we need Bennett for spot starts and long relief, right? So, do we go with a seven man bullpen of Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, Acosta, Boyer, Ohman, and Bennett? If so, we lose a spot on the bench, which I assume would mean Gotay would have to go, but I’d hate to lose him as a pinch runner late in a close game.
It’s a high quality problem to have, I guess.
By albanian braves fan
May 23, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
is asking for moment of silence for fallen hero.
yes. was leaving subway sandwich store and dropped turkey sandwich in street. splatter. no lunch - only sadness.
By TennesseePaul
May 23, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
One botched call of any kind is too many. If you can limit big ones (questionable homeruns), that are difficult for umpires to see, with instant replay that won’t waste too much time, why not?
Yes. And instant replay does not resolve the botched call as it will not guarantee 100% correct calls. For instance, did you see the replay of Soto’s inside the park “botched” home run call by the umps? It wasn’t easily clear that the ball was above the line or below the line. The ball was a blur near the line. Umps can review that play all they want. What ever call they make will be argued by the manager as well. Should the play be stopped until a proper ruling can be made via replay or should the play continue and when all is finished review the play and make a call? Dead ball vs Live Ball. Introduce instant replay and the ball will stay live until there is no where else to go and then instant replay will be reviewed. The game will take longer. And all because .99997 accuracy isn’t good enough… instant replay would at best bring it up .00002 points as well as lengthen the game and alter the whole experience…
Son: Dad, what’s going on?
Dad: Well son, there was a 140 year history of the Umpire being the ultimate ruler on the field of play. That changed recently. Now they play the game. When the play is over they go back to a TV, review the play, if an error is found they reposition the players and have a do-over. Isn’t this game so much fun to watch? We’ll it is, trust me son, it used to be the umps were right 99.99% of the time, now with instant replay they are right 99.999% of the time and we get to see do-overs!
By DAP
May 23, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
just saw a piece about the dbacks starter tonight on espn. hes coming back from thyroid surgury (good for him) and he will be on a pitch count. they said max 90 pitches.
same game plan, guys. lets knock him out early by making him throw alot of pitches. these guys havent been scoring much recently, so we need to take advantage.
looks like lefties hit this guy better than rightes, so i hope johnson, kotsay and mccann are all in there…and that escobar is back.
By McFann
May 23, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Good post, Braveheart. But your link didn’t work…
Random—
McCann did wear contacts in the minors. I think the lasik has help this year—with hitting and defense. (I know, he hasn’t caught many runners, but his throws have been more accurate.)
Terry is a guy who doesn’t mess with a lot of our hitters—I think he got burned-out on Andruw Jones. LOL.
By ncgary
May 23, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
bcs favorite player is still “dirt” mr mark lemke, lemmers in the booth, but he still knows the game is still in the braves organization and is still probably one of the frontrunners for bc replacement
By David O'Brien
May 23, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By albanian braves fan
May 23, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
is tip for speeding up of game:
recording of game on tivo machine and watching on “fast forward”.
By Mike M
May 23, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Quite possibly the win of the year thus far in this young season for these Braves…what a nice change to see the team actually manufacturing some runs!…if they can continue to do that and also get some of weapons in the bullpen healthy….watch out…
By MGL
May 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
The technology exists to take most of the errors out of the calls. A number of cameras could be stationed around the park and fed into a control room with hi-res displays. balls and strikes can be measured with accuracy and a light tree can be installed behind the plate to display the call. Balls, gloves, and bases can be equipped with sensors to accurately call out contact to the nanosecond. Countdown bars would time the pitches and the batter changes. This could get rid of all the unpires except perhaps a symbolic figure to give hand signals to the crowd. All electronics are fed into a booth manned by a rep from each team and an MLB adjudicator.
The games could easily be over in 2 hours. Wouldn’t that be more fun?
You let in instant replay and there will be no stopping it.
By Braveheart
May 23, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
McFann, here’s a picture of your boy when he was closer to your age:
http://www.perfectgame.org/stories/060405predraft/
By Shaun
May 23, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, replay will very likely increase the number of correct calls. And, if used for questionable homerun calls, most of the time will not increase the length of the game.
Your argument that it will not guarantee 100 percent accuracy is silly. If it increases accuracy without taking anything away from the game, why not use it?
How will it lengthen the game? I just don’t get that at all. Maybe the way you think it will eventually be used will lengthen the game but you seem to be jumping to a lot of conclusions about how replay would be used. Do-overs? Re-positioning? You’re pulling this out of nowhere to try to make your point but no one has every mentioned any of this.
Let’s use Delgado’s homerun as an example. Looking at a replay would have taken a minute at most. It took at least that long for the umpires to get together and then to end the arguments. And, more importantly, they got the call wrong. Most questionable homeruns will be like this. Very few questionable homerun calls, with the number of cameras and angles that are possible these days, are going to be inconclusive.
By Random
May 23, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, McCann —
Here — I think this will work.
By Shamus Thacker
May 23, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Last!!
By Kurt L. Halter
May 27, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Why does Bobby pull JJ with one more out to go to get the victory? That’s twice he has done this to the Kid and it certainly makes me think two thoughts: One - he doesn’t want his head to swell or Two - he doesn’t want his record to be TOO good for fear they will have to pay $$$ too much to keep him…
He would be 7-3 and on his way to Rookie of the Year if he kept pitching the way he has…Any thoughts?